INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF UREA FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUES OF BRACHIARIA HYBRID (MULATO II)

A study was conducted at the Modibbo Adama University Research Farm to evaluate the influence of different levels of urea fertilizer on the nutritive values of Brachiaria hybrid (Mulato II). The trial aimed to address the persistent issue of poor forage quality in tropical livestock systems by improving pasture productivity and nutritional composition through appropriate fertilization. Brachiaria Mulato II was established and treated with four levels of urea fertilizer: 0 kg/ha (control), 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, and 150 kg/ha. Forage samples were harvested at 9- and 11-week post-establishment, and proximate composition was analyzed to determine crude protein (CP), ash, crude fiber (CF), dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The results revealed that urea application significantly enhanced the crude protein content and reduced crude fiber across treatments, particularly at 100 kg/ha, indicating an optimal balance between nutrient uptake and growth. The CP values ranged from 8.15% in the control to 14.52% in the 100 kg/ha treatment at 9 weeks, while CF decreased from 31.44% in the control to 23.36% in the 100 kg/ha treatment. Ash and DM contents also improved with moderate fertilization, suggesting enhanced mineral content and biomass yield. However, application beyond 100 kg/ha showed diminishing returns in nutritional gains. The study concludes that applying 100 kg/ha of urea fertilizer to Brachiaria Mulato II enhances forage quality, making it suitable for improving ruminant nutrition in tropical regions. These findings support the integration of moderate fertilization into pasture management practices for sustainable livestock production.