Influence of manure type and time of sampling on proximate composition and in vitro gas production post incubation parameters of Panicum maximum (Ntchisi) hay

摘要

In livestock enterprises, one of the most important factors determining profitability is to achieveoptimal levels of feeding. This aim is most problematic during the dry season when available feed is scarce and of low quality. A "staircase" growth pattern is observed when animals are not adequately fed during the dry season. Therefore, livestock farmers are facing their biggest challenge during the dry season (Ikhatua and Adu 1984). Hay has been considered the mainstay diet for ruminant livestock during dry season in Nigeria, as there are usually excess forages during the rainy season and to have these ruminant animals in maintain their body weight in this season of the year effort have to be put in place to conserve the excess for the period when the forages especially the natural pasture will be deficient in quality and quantity. This study is aimed at evaluating the proximate composition and in vitro post incubation parameters as influenced by animal manure and sampling time.