Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Comparative Analysis of Wheat Straw and Millet Straw as Feed for Cattle Performance in the Semi-Arid Savannah of Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Livestock Production
Bashir Alhaji Baba, Mohammed Mustapha, and Makinta Alhaji Ali

Abstract
In the semi-arid savannah of Nigeria, where livestock farming is a cornerstone of livelihoods, the search for sustainable and cost-effective feed resources is critical. This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of wheat straw and millet straw as cattle feed, focusing on key performance metrics such as weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and milk yield. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 40 cattle were divided into two groups and fed either wheat straw or millet straw over a 12-week period. Standardized methodologies were employed to ensure data reliability, including daily weight monitoring, feed intake measurements, and milk yield assessments. Results indicate that millet straw outperformed wheat straw in terms of weight gain (12.5% higher) and milk yield (8.3% higher), though wheat straw showed better feed conversion efficiency in the initial weeks. These findings underscore the potential of millet straw as a superior feed resource in semiarid regions, offering actionable insights for farmers and policymakers aiming to enhance cattle productivity and sustainability

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