EFFECT OF SILO TYPES ON SILAGE CHARACTERISTIC AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ENSILED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of different silo types on chemical composition and fermentation profile of ensiled agro-industrial by-products. Three different silo-types; Plastic bucket (T1), Pit (T2) and Polythene bag (T3) were used to ensile 25% wheat offal and 75% cassava peels and all treatments were replicated 4 times in a completely randomized design. Ensiling lasted for 21 days after which they were opened for physical characteristics assessment and chemical composition evaluation. Ten WAD sheep were used for acceptability study using standard procedure. Colour (dark brown), odour (fruity), texture (firm) and no seepage were observed across the treatments. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in the silage pH and temperature which ranged from 4.00 - 4.33 and 33.280C-33.780C respectively. There was also a significant (P<0.05) difference in the crude protein and dry matter which ranged from 7.67% - 8.43% and 35.37% - 37.28% respectively. However, there was no significance (P>0.05) in Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) 47.37%- 46.29%, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) 25.83%-24.59% and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) 7.34%- 6.59%. The Coefficient of Preference of the silages was greater than the unity of one. It can be concluded that silage in polythene silo gave the best quality.