Precious Chinecherem IBEH

This study was conducted to determine and compare some of the mineral composition of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) leaf meal obtained from three locations within Benin City, Nigeria, and to evaluate the subsequent implications for livestock nutrition and feed safety. Fresh Guinea grass leaves were collected from Ekenwan, Ekosodin and Uniben, representing a gradient of land use intensity. The samples were processed, sun-dried, and milled into a fine powder. Subsequent laboratory analysis utilized Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), Flame Photometry, and spectrophotometric methods to quantify the concentrations of macro-minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus), essential trace minerals (Iron, Zinc, Manganese), and heavy metals (Chromium, Lead). The results revealed statistically significant variations (p < 0.05) in the mineral content across the three locations. The Uniben location exhibited the highest concentrations of Potassium (331.3 mg/kg), Magnesium (115.2 mg/kg), and Iron (28.1 mg/kg), while Ekehuan recorded the highest Phosphorus content (345.0 mg/kg). However, Uniben and Ekosodin locations also showed elevated levels of heavy metals, with Lead concentrations of 0.30 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg respectively, and Chromium levels of 0.50 mg/kg and 0.40 mg/kg respectively. Ekehuan location had the lowest heavy metal contamination but showed deficiencies in some essential minerals. Research indicates that the mineral content of Guinea grass in Benin City varies significantly by location. This means forage from some sites offers nutritional benefits but also carries a risk of heavy metal contamination for grazing animals. Consequently, the study advises avoiding harvests in urban and high-traffic zones and calls for feeding strategies that include location-specific mineral supplementation to safeguard livestock.