PHYSICAL FEATURES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ENSILED MAIZE STOVER AND GROUNDNUT HAULMS FOR SUSTAINABLE RUMINANT PRODUCTION

Abstract

The study assessed the physical features, proximate composition and fibre fractions of ensiled maize stover and groundnut haulms for sustainable ruminant production. Maize stover and groundnut haulms were collected, wilted for 3 – 4 days, chopped and ensiled in different proportions to make three 3 treatments (T1: 100% maize stover; T2:100 % groundnut haulms; T3:50 % maize stover and 50 % groundnut haulms) and replicated four (4) times in glass Bamma® bottles for 30 days. Physical features and chemical composition of the silage were examined. Results showed that the colour of the silage were cream, greenish brown and light brown for T1, T2 and T3. Texture was smooth for T1, coarse for T2 and slightly coarse for T3. All the silage were moist with pleasant aroma. The pH and temperature value ranges from 3 – 4.5, 30 – 31.5oC, respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in theproximate compositions and fiber  fractions of the silage. Treatment 3 T3 had highest (P<0.05) content for the proximate composition and fiber fractions except the hemicellulose which was similar (P>0.05) in T2 and T3. Conclusively, the silage exhibited good physical features, appropriate proximate composition and fibre fractions that justified its potential in solving the challenges of dry season feed scarcity for ruminant production. Treatment 3 (50% maize stover and 50% groundnut haulms) is recommended for farmers based on the proximate composition and fibre fractions.