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Asian Journal of Agricultural Research

Year: 2007 | Volume: 1 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 137-141
Research Article

Research Note: Over Night Faecal Production by Bunaji Cattle Grazing Natural Pastures in the Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

O.S. Lamidi
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
O.O. Olabode
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
C.B.I. Alawa
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
P.P. Barje
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
M.K. Ajala
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
Study to determine the quantity and quality of over night faeces produced by Bunaji cattle was carried out in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in faecal output between the bulls and the cow. Non-supplement cow produced 1.62 and 1.60 kg dry faeces day-1 during the wet and dry season respectively. The corresponding values for the bulls are 1.68 and 1.66 kg dry faeces day-1. Supplemented cow voided about 2.08 and 1.98 kg dry faeces during the wet and dry season while the bulls produced 2.13 and 2.05 kg dry faeces head-1 day-1. Supplementation of the cattle significantly increased the quantity of faeces produced by 21.68 and 19.35% during the wet and dry respectively. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content of the faeces from non supplemented cattle are 1.79, 0.46 and 0.65%, the corresponding value for the supplemented cattle are 2.27, 0.52 and 0.74%. Adult Bunaji cattle grazing the native range or crop residue without any form of supplementation produced 598.26 kg dry faeces year-1. This contained 13.56 kg N, 4.10 kg P and 3.86 kg K. With supplementation, the yearly faecal output increased to 751.9 kg and the corresponding N, P and K value were 17.56, 5.53 and 3.87 kg. Fertilizer cost for crop production can be significantly reduced if cow faeces are properly harnessed into the cropping system.
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