Authors : O.A. Olorunnisomo and M.A. Adesina
Abstract: In this study, Moringa Leaf (ML) was ensiled with increasing levels of Cassava Peel (CSP). Silage characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the silage mixtures were determined in the laboratory while preference of zebu cows for the mixtures were determined using six non-lactating Sokoto Gudali heifers. Treatments consist of the following ML-CSP mixtures: 80:20, 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80. All the mixtures formed good silage and pH reduced from 4.22-3.74 while colour varied from pale to light green, as proportion of cassava peel in the silage mixture increased. All silages had firm texture with pleasant and slightly alcoholic smell. Dry Matter (DM) content and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) of silage increased as proportion of cassava peel in the mixture increased while Crude Protein (CP) and Crude Fibre (CF) reduced. DM, NFE, CP and CF varied from 24.5-30.9, 53.0-66.7, 18.2-8.2 and 13.9-11.7%, respectively. Organic matter digestibility was 69.0, 69.1, 71.5 and 70.2% while percent preference by zebu heifers was14.2, 30.8, 34.9 and 20.1% for 80:20, 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80 ML-CSP silage mixture, respectively. These results revealed that addition of cassava peel to moringa leaf enhanced the silage properties, digestibility and acceptability of moringa leaf silage by Sokoto Gudali heifers.
O.A. Olorunnisomo and M.A. Adesina, 2013. Silage Characteristics, Nutritive Value and Preference of Zebu Cows for Moringa Leaf Ensiled with Different Levels of Cassava Peel. Agricultural Journal, 8: 295-298.