AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF GRASSES IN HUTAWA GRAZING RESERVE, BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the proximate, mineral compositions and phytochemical constituents of grasses collected from Hutawa grazing reserve, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. A 50m×50m plot size was measured and demarcated on a 5-km transect. Grasses along transect were harvested at about 2cm above the ground, using a sickle, tied together and weighed. The reading obtained from each quadrat was then recorded as fresh weight (in grams). The grasses were
separated and recorded using common and botanical names. Representative sample for each grass species was dried, milled and taken to the laboratory for proximate, minerals and phytochemical analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS software package. Results of the proximate composition of harvested grass species showed significant differences (P<0.05) in crude protein (CP), crude fibre, ether extracts, ash and nitrogen free extract. The CP was higher (P<0.05) in Dactyloctenium aegyptiumm (1.02%). The results of the mineral compositions of grasses
harvested revealed a significant (p<0.05) difference on all the parameters evaluated. Commelina bunghalensis showed higher levels of Na (2.17g/kg), P (4.43g/kg) and Zn (2.03g/ kg) but with low concentration of K. The highest Ca (3.4g/kg) and Fe (2.17 g/kg) were observed in Digitaria horizontalis while Eragrostic tremula showed higher (p<0.05) concentrations of Mg (1.55g/kg) and K (3.03g/kg). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids
while steroids were undetected. In conclusion, the grasses obtained in Hutawa grazing reserve of Kebbi State have high nutritive value.