PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ENSILED FICUS LYRATA WITH VARYING PROPORTION OF COWPEA HUSK FOR DRY SEASON RUMINANT PRODUCTION IN BALI, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Dry season production of ruminant in north central part of Nigeria is a challenge. Edge-row plants, being used as shade in livestock rural communities are available all year round. Full potentials of Ficus lyrata has not been explored. This study was therefore, conducted to evaluate the physical characteristics proximate composition and mineral assay of ensiled Ficus lyrata with varying proportion of cowpea husk for dry season ruminant production. Fresh leaves and their soft stalks of Ficus lyrata were harvested in September and wilted for 12 hours before chopping into 2-3cm particle size. Chopped forage was mixed with cowpea husk at 0%, 20% 40% and 50% then, 3% blended honey residue was added as additive for all treatments. The materials were ensiled and analyzed for Dry Matter (DM), chemical composition, silage features and mineral contents. Results showed that DM contents were between 41.52- 45.35%. CP varied from 12.54-14.15% and increased with increased proportion of cowpea husks. CF ranged between 23.32-23.93% and increased as cowpea proportion increased. EE varied among treatments (T1 =3.78%, T2=2.96%, T3=3.07%, T4=3.42%). Ash content (9.62-12.09%) increased as cowpea proportion increased. The NDF content of the silages ranged from 46.41-50.74%. Minerals investigated were Ca (1.93-33.22%), P (0.19-0.40%), K (1.00-1.41%), Na (0.84-1.10%), Mg (0.25-0.60%) and iron (32.1-35.8ppm). The silage had sweet vinegar taste, pleasant aroma, smooth texture and colour range of brownish green, olive green and yellowish green, It was concluded that the silage showed good physico-chemical properties which can meet the nutrient requirements of ruminant. Ficus lyrata can be ensiled with cowpea husks up to 50% and
utilized by ruminants during dry season.