NUTRITIVE QUALITY EVALUATION OF NTCHISI GRASS AND ITS MIXTURE WITH CENTROSEMA PUBESCENS

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to undertake nutritive quality evaluation of Ntchisi grass and its mixture with Centrosema pubescence using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), where the leaf of ntchisi grass and Centrosema pubesens were collected air dried, milled and analyzed using Near Infrared Red Spectroscopy ( NIRS) The result revealed significant variations in several nutritional components across different samples ,The analysis shows the chemical composition, the amino acid composition and the mineral composition of the sample. The dry matter percentage was high in the mixture of Ntchisi grass and Centrosema pubescence at 91.04%, indicating a substantial concentrationn of solid matter. Ash content, representing mineral residue after complete combustion, was elevated in the same mixture at 11.49%. The combination of Ntchisi grass and Centrosema pubescence exhibited the highest crude protein content at 19.79%, indicating a rich source of essential amino acids. Magnesium content was highest in the mixture at 4333.1 mg/kg. The study demonstrates that the combination of Ntchisi grass and Centrosema pubescence results in a forage mixture with superior nutritional qualities, including high protein content, energy density, and mineral richness. These findings have significant implications for livestock nutrition, highlighting the potential of this combination as a valuable and balanced feed source. Based on the findings of this study it is therefore recommended that farmers are to integrate the high-nutrient Ntchisi Grass and Centrosema Pubescence mixture into their livestock feeding practices, ensuring improved animal health and productivity.