Sabara (Guiera senegalensis) as Browse and a Potential Milk Enhancer in Ruminants in the Semi-Arid Environment

The objective of this study was to investigate and ascertain the claim by farmers for proper documentation of the use of Sabara plant as milk enhancer in livestock. A diagnostic survey was conducted in 5 Local Government Areas of Kano State located within the semi arid region. The results obtained revealed the age groups of the majority of the respondents were between 48-58 years (24.2%). Male respondents constitute 76.8 and 79.6% married. Ninety two percent of the respondents (91.8%) had some form of education but majority (44%) had Quranic education. Responses from farmers with only livestock constituted 46.3 and crop-livestock farmers were 45.4%. Majority of respondents (35.4%) relied on livestock farming as an occupation. Species of animals encountered showed 65% were kept alone (Goat, Sheep, Camel, Cattle and Donkey) but the top 3 were in the order of sheep (26.3%), goats (20.2%) and cattle (14.1%). There were cases of keeping combinations of livestock species. Respondents recognized animals browsing leaf fraction (64.6%), followed by combination of leaves and flowers fraction. It was reported that all categories of animals (75.8%) irrespective of their physiological stages browse on Sabara in the decreasing order of young, pregnant and lactating animals. The result obtained in this study, revealed sabara plant is a browse used more prominently during the late dry season to the early wet seasons (87%). It is therefore, recommended that phyto-chemical analysis and bioassay be conducted with lactating animals to ascertain its implication in milk production and determine its level of inclusion in the ration of lactating animals. It is hoped that results of the present study stimulates further studies in its role in milk production of livestock and development of conservation strategies.