Comparative evaluation of nutritive value of ensiled Alternanthera brasiliana leaf and stem as dry season feed for ruminants in the tropics

Abstract

Silage is a method of preserving and sustaining nutritious pasture for ruminants to be consumed during the dry season. Alternanthera brasiliana (AB) is a perennial herb that is available all year round. In this study, AB was ensiled with Palm kernel cake, Molasses and Wheat offal. Experiment I determined silage characteristics and nutrient composition of ensiled AB, Coefficient of preference (CoP) of ensiled AB by WAD sheep were determined in experiment II. The nutritive value of ensiled AB was assessed using in vitro gas production technique to predict metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acid  (SCFA), methane (CH4) and Total gas produced (TGP) in experiment III. Results revealed that ensiling imparted in the AB plant as the temperature, colour, aroma, texture and pH of all silages were within the recommended range. Ensiling influenced the chemical composition significantly (P<0.05). The dry matter (DM) ranged from 50.36 to 75.52 % in AB ensiled with molasses (ABMOL) and wheat offal (ABWHO) respectively. The Crude protein values for ABMOL, ABWHO and ABPKC are 13.23%, 29.30% and 30.40% respectively. It was observed that ensiling improved the DM. Neutral detergent fibre ranged from 28.77 to 35.23% in ABMOL and ABWHO respectively. Macro and micro minerals analyzed were not significantly affected by ensiling, but within recommended level for consumption. The CoP ranged from 1.00 – 1.25 in ABWHO and ABMOL respectively. Judging by the CoP values, all ensiled AB were acceptable to the animals. However, the ABMOL was most preferred. TGP, ME, OMD and CH4 differed significantly  (p<0.05). However, ABMOL recorded the highest values for all parameters analyzed. It can be concluded that ensiling improved the nutrient composition, daily intake and in vitro gas production parameters of AB leaf and stem. Hence, ensiled AB has potential as off season feed for ruminants in the tropics.