The aim of this study was to determine and compare the proximate composition of Oreochromis niloticus and hybrid Tilapia, from Oyan Lake. Parameters proximate composition which includes protein, lipid, ash and moisture content were estimated. The average moisture content for O.niloticus was in range of 81.11 to 81.67% and 80.01 to 80.17% for hybrid Tilapia. %. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean protein values of O.niloticus and hybrid tilapia with the females of the two fish species were observed to have significantly higher (p <0.05) crude protein content than their male counterparts. The fat content values were low but significantly different (p<0.05) between the hybrid Tilapia and O.niloticus. Ash content ranged from 1.24 to1.48% for the O.niloticus and 1.30 to 1.24% for the hybrid Tilapia.

The growth performance of Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822 fed Gliricidia sepium leaf meal and supplement with enzymes (Roxazyme®) and Maxigrain® were examined. The fingerlings having weight of about 6.34±0.43 g were stocked in12 plastic aquaria with 50 liters capacity at the rate of 25 juvenile per aquarium and fed on four different dietary treatments for 42 days. The experimental diets varied with increasing levels of G. sepium leaf meal, 0%, 10% without enzyme supplementation, 10% supplemented with enzyme (Roxazyme G2), and 10% supplemented with enzyme (Maxigrain). The growth performance, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCE) and water quality were evaluated during and by the end of trial. The results showed that all experimental treatments promoted positive growth and no mortality was encountered during the experimental period.

The study was conducted to assess the agronomic indices and nutritional values of plant parts fractions of three varieties of sorghum fodder in late stages of growth in humid tropics. The experiment was 2 x 3 factorial scheme fitted into a completely randomize design, comprising of two (2) plant fractions (stem and leaf) and three (3) varieties of sorghum (Samsorg-17, 44 and 45). Agronomic parameters (plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem circumference, fresh leaf number and dried leaf number) were monitored from 10 – 16 weeks after planting (WAP), 16 WAP leaf and stem were sampled for proximate composition, fibre fractions, mineral profile, anti-nutritional factors and in-vitro digestibility. Results obtained showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in all the agronomic indices across the weeks of growth. Plant height was higher (P<0.05) for Sarmsorg-45 (131.25 cm) and lower (P<0.05) for Samsorg-17 (107.25 cm). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in dry matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate among the varieties. Leaf fraction had higher (P<0.05) contents of CP (17.53%). Stem had higher (P<0.05) values of all fibre fractions except acid detergent fibre. There was a significant (P<0.05) influence of varieties on the Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Mn. Leaf fraction had higher (P<0.05) contents of P (1.06%), K (0.37%), Na (1.75%), Cu (13.01 mg/kg) and Zn (17.53 mg/kg). Plant fractions were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the anti-nutritional factors. Leaf fraction had higher (P<0.05) contents of phytate (0.79%), oxalate (0.60%), tannins (0.60%), trypsin inhibitor (15.98 mg/g) and dhurrin (6.97 ìg/g). Post in-vitro characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by varieties. Leaf fractions had higher (P<0.05) in-vitro organic matter digestibility (47.39%) IOMD compared to stem (39.65%). Conclusively, all the varieties of sorghum exhibited a good agronomic indices and nutritional value that characterized sorghum as a fodder in humid tropic. Farmers should be encouraged to use leaf fractions of sorghum than stem. Samsorg-17 is recommended because of height.

The study was conducted to evaluate the physiochemical quality and nutritional value of ensiled fresh maize stover and groundnut haulms for wet season sustainable ruminant production. Fresh maize stover and fresh groundnut haulms were collected, wilted for 3 – 4 days, chopped and ensiled in different proportions to make three (3) experimental treatments (T1: 100% maize stover; T2:100 % groundnut haulms; T3:50 % maize stover and 50 % groundnut haulms) and replicated four (4) times in glass Bamma® bottles for 30 days. Physical features, proximate composition, mineral profile, anti-nutritional factors, post invitro digestibility characteristics and nutritional values of the silages were examined. Results showed that the colour of the silage were cream, greenish brown and light brown for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Texture was smooth for T1, coarse for T2 and slightly coarse for T3. All the silages were moist with pleasant aroma. The pH and temperature value ranges from 3 – 4.5, 30 – 31.5oC, respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the proximate composition, fiber fractions, minerals, anti-nutritional factors and the post in-vitro digestibility characteristics of the silages. Silage T3 (50 % maize stover and 50 % groundnut haulms) had highest (P<0.05) significant content for the parameters considered. Similar (P>0.5) nutritive value (Dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM), and relative feed value (RFV)) were recorded for the experimental treatments. The values observed for DMI, DDM and RFV ranged from 2.44 – 2.45, 67.62 – 67.67 and 127.86 – 127.98, respectively. Conclusively, the silage exhibited good physiochemical quality and nutritional value that justified its potential in solving the challenges of dry season feeding. Treatment 3 (50% maize stover and 50% groundnut haulms) is recommended for ruminant farmers.   L'étude a été menée pour évaluer la qualité physico-chimique et la valeur nutritionnelle des tiges de maïs frais ensilées et des fanes d'arachide pour la production durable de ruminants en saison humide. Les tiges de maïs frais et les fanes d'arachide fraîches ont été collectées, fanées pendant 3 à 4 jours, hachées et ensilées dans des proportions différentes pour faire trois (3) traitements expérimentaux (T1 : 100% de tiges de maïs ; T2 : 100% de fanes d'arachide ; T3 : 50% tiges de maïs et 50% de fanes d'arachide) et répliquées quatre (4) fois dans des bouteilles en verre Bamma® pendant 30 jours. Les caractéristiques physiques, la composition immédiate, le profil minéral, les facteurs anti-nutritionnels, les caractéristiques de digestibilité post-in vitro et les valeurs nutritionnelles des ensilages ont été examinés. Les résultats ont montré que la couleur de l'ensilage était crème, brun verdâtre et brun clair pour T1, T2 et T3, respectivement. La texture était lisse pour T1, grossière pour T2 et légèrement grossière pour T3. Tous les ensilages étaient humides avec un arôme agréable. La valeur du pH et de la température varie respectivement de 3 à 4,5 et 30 à 31,5 ° C. Il y avait des différences significatives (P <0,05) dans la composition immédiate, les fractions de fibres, les minéraux, les facteurs anti-nutritionnels et les caractéristiques de digestibilité post-invitro des ensilages. L'ensilage T3 (50% de tiges de maïs et 50% de fanes d'arachide) avait la teneur significative la plus élevée (P <0,05) pour les paramètres considérés. Des valeurs nutritives similaires (P> 0,5) (ingestion de matière sèche (DMI), matière sèche digestible (DDM) et valeur d'alimentation relative (RFV)) ont été enregistrées pour les traitements expérimentaux. Les valeurs observées pour le 'DMI', le 'DDM' et le 'RFV' allaient respectivement de 2,44 à 2,45, 67,62 à 67,67 et 127,86 à 127,98. En conclusion, l'ensilage présentait une bonne qualité physico-chimique et une valeur nutritionnelle qui justifiaient son potentiel à résoudre les défis de l'alimentation en saison sèche. Le traitement 3 (50% de tiges de maïs et 50% de fanes d'arachide) est recommandé pour les éleveurs de ruminants.