Nutritional Composition of Residues Available for Ruminants from Rice + Cowpea Intercrop During the Dry Season in Nigeria

Abstract

Chemical analysis to assess the mineral status of two fodder crops (rice and cowpea) was carried out. The range of P, K, Na, Ca and Mg values in the rice and cowpea plants met the minimum requirements for beef and dairy cattle and sheep/goats in this area. In rice plants, the level of crude protein (CP) met the marginal requirement, while CP values of cowpea were within the recommended requirements for ruminants in the area of study. Values of Fe and Zn were below minimum requirements while over 50% of the rice and cowpea plants had adequate Cu. Mineral supplements are suggested for correction of deficiencies in feed of ruminants in the area of study.

Keywords: crop residues, mineral supplements, macro elements, microelements, ruminants