Assessment of Proximate Composition of Wild Forages Under the Influence of Seasonal and Spatial Variations in Semi-arid Region

Abstract

The effect of spatio-temporal variations in proximate composition of the forages and fodder species grazed by the ruminants in different sites of district Bhakkar, Pakistan was evaluated. Samples were collected from different sites of the selected region during four seasons. There was significant effect of site on all proximate parameters except ether extract. Season of collection significantly affected moisture content, dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, NFES and net energy while ash content was non-significantly affected. Site x season also has significant effect on all proximate parameters. The study unveils the composition of diet of ruminants, providing information about the need of supplementation for these animals to increase their productivity.