Seasonal variability in nutritive value of ruminant diets under open grazing system in the semi-arid rangeland of Sudan (South Darfur State)

Abstract

A study was conducted over a two-year period (2006/07-2007/08) to evaluate the seasonal variability of ruminant diets under open grazing system in a semi-arid rangeland of Sudan(Darfur State). Measurements included dry matter production, crude protein and crude fiber of the diet for different classes of animals(cattle, sheep and goats). Results indicated that dry matter production and nutritive value in terms of crude protein and crude fiber were largely affected by seasonality and precipitation. Early dry season, which immediately follows the end of the rainy season, provided higher dry matter and nutritious forages compared to late dry season. This would suggest providing grazing animals with supplementary feed in the late grazing season for satisfactory production.