African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Germination, dry matter yield and nutritive value of Stylosanthes guianensis in the Sambisa Game Reserve, Borno State, Nigeria

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 17 September, 2018

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.