MANURE PRODUCTION BY YANKASA SHEEP GRAZING NATURAL PASTURES IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA * 1

A study was carried out to determine the quantity and quality of faeces voided by Yankasa sheep grazing native pasture and fed with concentrate and hay supplement. The study lasted for eight weeks. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in faecal output between the ewes and the rams. Faeces produced per head per day averaged 0.33kg and 0.32kg for ewes and rams respectively. Nutrient concentration in the dry feaces was: N, 2.18%, P, 0.48% and K, 0.52% for the ewes and N, 2.13%, P, 0.46%, K, 0.50% for the rams. It was concluded from this study that that a large amount of manure is produced by Yankasa Sheep which has a significant nutrient value for crops. When utilized, it will enhance crop livestock integration and reduce cost of inorganic fertilizer.