Proximate composition and physico-chemical parameters of water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) ensiled with breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) as feed for WAD goats

Abstract

Scarce forages and low digestibility are major challenges of dry season feeding of ruminants in the tropics. This can be overcome by conservation of forages through ensiling with unconventional and inexpensive materials containing high fermentable carbohydrates. Water hyacinth, an invasive water weed with high biomass yield was ensiled with graded levels of breadfruit and assessed for its potential as a feed resource. Breadfruit was included in silages at 0% (control, T1); 10% (T2), 20% (T3), 30% (T4) and 40% (T5) with sawdust added at a constant inclusion level of 10% to serve as absorbent. Proximate composition and silage quality assessment were determined after 30 days of ensiling. Results showed that dry matter (%) of silages ranged between 14.21 (T1) and 28.44 (T4). Ash contents (g/100g) reduced (P<0.05) as breadfruit inclusion increased in the silage diets. Crude protein (g/100g) was higher (P<0.05) in T1 (12.03) than T5 (9.18) but was similar in T2, T3 and T4 (10.50, 10.72, 10.28) respectively. The appearance, odour and texture of the silages in T3-T5 had acceptable physical attributes while pH values ranged from 4.65 – 5.40. It is concluded that the leaves and stem of water hyacinth ensiled with breadfruit have potential as feed for ruminants in terms ofnutritio nal and physico-chemical attributes.