Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.4, No.13, 2014 41 Effect of Levels of Tephrosia Bracteolate (Guill Et Perr) on Minerals Balance in W.A.D Goats Fed Guinea Grass(Panicum maximum Jacq) with Concentrate Ademola Ogungbesan 1* ,Gabriel Adeleke 1 , Olubunmi Fasina 1 and Adebowale Fajemisin 2 1.Department Of Animal Production, College Of Agricultural Science, Yewa Campus Ayetoro Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State 2.Department of Animal Production and Health Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria * Email of corresponding author: amkgbesan @gmail.com Abstract Sixteen west African Dwarf Goats (8 bucks and 8 does) were balanced for age,sex and weight (average of 5.79±0.60kg), to evaluate their mineral utilization . The animals were fed Tephrosia bracteolata based diets. They were allotted randomly to the following dietary treatments (T. bracteolata, P. maximum, Concentrate) namely,Tb20 as control, Tb40, Tb60 and Tb80for one hundred and twelve days; 14 day pre-growth adaptation, 84 days growth and 14 days digestibility (7 days adaptation and 7 days monitoring).. , Ca absorbed (gm) ranged from 0.64 (Tb) 20 to 1.57 (Tb80) and retention was from 0.62 (Tb20) to 1.56 (Tb80) which was partially linear, while for Tb20 and Tb80 had lowest p < 0.05 and highest (p<0.05) (0.27,027 and 0.47, 047) in gm respectively. Concerning Mg lowest (0.41, 0.40) and highest (0.67, 0.65) absorbed and retained was observed in Tb 20 and Tb 80 respectively. While Na was similar to trend observed in P (Tb 20;0.08, 0.08 and Tb 80; 0.14 0.14), K absorption and retention was lowest (P<0.05) in Tb 20 (0.44) and Tb40 (0.35) and Tb 80 (1.25) as well as Tb 80 (1.19) respectively. These results (all positive balance) exhibits majorly linear increment in absorption and retention with increase in T.bracteolata which might be due to leguminous properties in T.b that makes it possible. Adoptable and Adoptable technologies that are legume based and community driven must be sought for Key words:Minerals-balance Panicum maximum, Tephrosia bracteolata, W.A.D-Goats Introduction The importance of forage legumes has been emphasized over the years and they form a very important parts of goats diets especially in the rural areas. The presence of mineral elements in animal feeds is vital for animal metabolic processes. Grazing or rural livestock from tropical countries do not receive mineral supplementation except for common salt (NaCl) and must depend almost exclusively upon forage for their mineral requirements (McDowell, 1985). Although, lack of energy and protein are the main limiting factors in livestock product. Minerals deficiencies also seem to limit various production and reproduction levels in animals, in that the role of trace elements in the production and welfare of grazing animals is a key feature of sustainable agricultural systems .Tephrosia being a legume has all the nutrients in almost complete and balance quantity (Protein, Energy, Vitamins and Minerals) and also phyto-oestrogens. These species have wide adaptability and biodiversity which can annual or biennial depending on habitat and can established through seedling recruitment (Daniel 1871). Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is a widely distributed tussock lump forming grass that grows best on warm frost-free areas. It is considered the best grass for ruminant production, it is highly relished by goats, readily available and stimulates ruminal microbial growth (Ajayi et al.,2005).hence various works have been done in terms of performance characteristics of goats(Adeloye ,1994and Anugwa et al., 2000) but there is little or no work on mineral utilization by goat of this herbage with concentrate Materials and methods Experimental site: The experiment took place at the goat research section of the Rocky-feller teaching and research farm, University of Ibadan (Forest- savannah transition zone in south-western Nigeria, at 7° 27'N and 3°45'E at an altitude of between 200 and 300 meters above sea level and the climate is modified sub-humid type). Pen Management: The pens and metabolism cages were swept and dusted and werelater fumigated with Dettol (Chloroxylenol®, a strong antiseptic/disinfectant) manufactured by Reckilt Benckiser Ogun state, Nigeria at the rate of 27ml to 1 liter of water and also with Diazintol {Diazinon Dimpylate® a strong and broad-spectrum insecticide (acaricides and larvicides) manufactured by Alfasan International B.V.Holland,at the rate of 2ml to 1litre of water}. A mixture of used automobile engine oil (1liter) and sieved wooden ash (250 grams) was basally applied on the floor to repel soldier ants,dorylus spp). Wood shaven were later spread on the floor of pens fortnightly applied and changed respectively until the end of the trial. Feed Materials: Tephrosia bracteolata shoots were cut 50cm above the ground from Pasture and Range section of the farm and sorted into leaves (leaves plus fine stem up to 6mm in diameter,(Tarawali et al., 1995) and