Leguminous crop residues utilization for livestock production in selected areas of Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the problem associated with proper processing and non utilization of leguminous crop residues for livestock production in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to arrive at the sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings of the study indicated that majority of the respondents were male (91.7%), married (81.7%) with a mean age of 41.5 years. The study further revealed that 99.2% of the respondents had access to crop residues. Majority (78.2%) of the respondents obtained the residues through farming and 97.5% of them utilized it in feeding their livestock. The common leguminous residues utilized in the study area were groundnut haulm (76.5%), cowpea husk (20.45%) and cowpea vine (3.0%). Results of the regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between flock size and utilization of leguminous crop residues. The study concludes that legume crop residues were available and were mostly utilized in raising livestock and it is recommended that farmers should be trained on how to properly process the leguminous crops residue for feeding animals.