Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part B (2023)

This study evaluated the nutritive values of most preferred forage species eaten by Giraffa camelopardalis in Sumu Willdlife park, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The most preferred forage species were obtained following the time spent on sighting the animal browsing on each of the species among the individuals. Time spent was measured between 1 - 30 minutes and 30 - 60 minutes on species preferred. The nutritive values of the most preferred forage species were obtained using proximate analysis following the Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). Results obtained revealed that during the wet season, the most preferred species was Acacia senegal while the least preferred was Comburetum hebeclada. During the dry season, the most preferred was Acacia albida while the least preferred was Andropogon gayanus. The results of their chemical composition indicated that Acacia albida had the highest moisture content (83.3%), Balanites aegyptiaca had the highest dry matter content (39.9%), crude protein was highest in Acacia senegal (22.6%), crude fibre indicated that Pennisetum purpureum had highest value (29.0%), ether extract showed highest value from Mimosa asperata (4.7%), ash content had the highest value in Acacia senegal (27.1%) and nitrogen free extract indicated that Balanites aegyptiaca had the highest value of (40.6%). These results showed that most preferred forage species were nutritionally rich which is good for growth and development of the giraffe in the park. However, it was observed that the forage species were threatened by the incidence of fire outbreaks and drought hence the need to provide water and other silvicultural practices needed by the plants. This will go a long way in enhancing the growth of the forage species while still developing and boosting tourism.