Authors : M. Baba, T. Uba and A.R. Halim
Abstract: Pennisetum pedicellatum (kyasuwa) hay was ensiled with poultry litter in varying proportions; 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 100:0 (control), respectively in polythene bags under room temperature for 21 days. The resultant silage was analyzed for pH, aroma, Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Ether Extract (EE), ash and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE). The result of the study indicated significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments in terms of pH, aroma, CP, CF, NFE and ash but non significant differences in Dry Matter (DM) and EE. Ensiling with poultry litter increased pH, CP, DM and NFE while CF, ash and EE declined. CP and DM increased with increased proportion of poultry litter while CF and ash decreased. No definite trend was observed for pH, EE and NFE. Treatment 50:50 had the highest DM (93.18%) and CP (4.65%) while control recorded the least (CP 1.64%, DM 92.29%). Crude Fiber (CF) was lowest in treatment 50:50. It was concluded that ensiling kyasuwa hay with up to 50% poultry litter improved the feeding value of the silage significantly,
M. Baba, T. Uba and A.R. Halim, 2010. Nutritive Value of Kyasuwa Hay (Pennisetum pedicellatum) Ensiled with Poultry Litter at Varying Proportions. Research Journal of Animal Sciences, 4: 117-120.