Comparative Nutritive Values of Leaves and Fruits of Boscia senegalensis as Potential Feed for Small Ruminant in Semi Arid Zone of North Eastern Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritive values of leaves and fruits of Boscia senegalensis as a potential feed for small ruminant in semi-arid zone of north eastern Nigeria. The result of proximate analysis revealed the presence of dry matter (95.68%), crude protein (11.53%), crude fibre (6.46%) ether extract (6.23%), ash (7.69%), Nitrogen Free Extract (63.72%) in leaves and dry matter (96.29%), crude protein (9.62%), crude fibre (7.14%), ether extract (6.10%) ash (6.60%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (66.83%) in fruits. Due to its availability in the dry season, Boscia senegalesis have the capacity to complement the feeding of crop residue's and natural pasture in the semi- arid zone of Nigeria. To promote increase use of Boscia Senegalensis on smallholder farms, farmers must be provided with information on the quality of this plant, so that they may start using this valuable feed resource for increasing animal productivity.