ENSILING QUALITY OF PEARL MILLET FORTIFIED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF COWPEA FORAGE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.7241Keywords:
pearl millet, cowpea, silage, proximate analysisAbstract
The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) forage inclusion on the ensiling quality of Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides Burm.F). Pearl millet and cowpea forages were mixed at 100:00, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60, respectively and ensiled for 3 weeks in the laboratory silos. After fermentation period, the silos were opened and contents scored for colour, aroma and pH. Proximate composition and fiber analysis was carried, dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and reference feed value was also estimated. The result
revealed that the silages were moderately acidic, very sweet and had yellowish colour. Cowpea forage inclusion for ensiling pearl millet improved the CP, ash, EE, ME, dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake and RFV with corresponding declined in DM and fiber fractions. Cowpea forage inclusion at 60% level is recommended for ensiling pearl millet grass. Further studies to determine voluntary feed intake and animal performance are recommended.
