ISSN 2756-3790
International Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture ISSN 2756-3790 Vol. 11 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Sambisa Game Reserve, Borno State, Nigeria: Stylosanthes guianensis germination, dry matter production and nutritional value
Y. P. Mbaya, A. Usman* and N. Yekini
Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri P. M. B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Accepted 7 September, 2022
Abstract
The study is on the introduction of perennial pasture crop Stylosanthes guianensis (Stylo) into the Sambisa Game Reserve in Borno State, Nigeria. Stylo is a tropical herbaceous legume primarily used as a pasture crop for humid tropical regions. The objectives were to observe the growth and establishment of stylo in the game reserve of Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria; examining the emergence rates using some pre germination treatments, determine the yield and the nutritive value of herbage. Viability of 65% was obtained although the emergence was highest when sulphuric acid was used as pre germination treatment. There was no significant difference between the treatments (P > 0.05). A yield of 308 kg DM/ha was obtained. The sample herbage for determination of yield and chemical composition were determined to be 93.0% DM; 5.95% CP; 3.0% EE; 38.0% CF and 5.0% ash. The cultivation of stylo is therefore, recommended in game reserves for increased forage quality and quantity to herbivorous game animals as a conservation strategy.
Key words: Sudan savanna, stylo, germination, dry matter yield and nutritive value.