UTILIZATION OF ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.) HUSKS BY RUMINANTS FARMERS IN HADEJIA EMIRATE, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess utilization of Roselle husks by ruminants’ farmers in Hadejia Emirate, Jigawa State. A total of 200 structural questionnaires were administered to randomly selected ruminants’ rearers in Eight (8) Local Government Areas of the Emirate during dry season of the year 2021. The results obtained showed that the respondents examined vary in age groups, majority within 31- 40 years (32.80%). Male respondents constituted 74.60% while 25.40% were female. Almost all the respondents had some form of education and their experience in ruminants rearing vary from 1 year to above 21 years. Majority of the respondents (142) encountered had a flock size (1 - 30) which constitute 75.13%. Species of livestock fed with Roselle husks by the respondents vary from goat alone 22.22%, sheep alone 20.63% and sheep and goat 14.29%, 9.52% fed fattening rams. Majority of the respondents used various unconventional feed resources during dry season. The study concluded that ruminants’ farmers had some awareness on the potential value of Roselle husks as ruminants’ feedstuff and therefore recommended that they should be enlightened on nutritional potential.