Nutritive value of mixed napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)- Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) silage for ruminants Rakau M.V., Fushai F., Baloyi J.J.* Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bay X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa *Corresponding author: joseph.baloyi@univen.ac.za
Online published on 1 October, 2022. Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the chemical composition, ruminal degradability, and apparent digestibility of mixed Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) (PP) -Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) (LL) silages. Freshly cut Napier and Leucaena were harvested and mixed at 70:30; 50:50; 30:70 ensiled for six weeks. The chemical composition of the fresh forages and the silages were determined using the AOAC (1990) procedures. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) ruminal degradability were determined by nylon bag technique using three rumen cannulated Bonsmara steers for periods of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. DM and CP ruminal degradability kinetics were described by fitting the data on the model P= a+b (1-e−ct) using the neway computer program where a is the rapidly degradable fraction, b is the slowly degradable fraction and c is the outflow rate. Hay supplemented with 25% mixed PP: LL silages was fed to three castrated male Pedi sheep to evaluate apparent digestibility coefficient and N retention. The fresh cut PP had more CP, Fat, and ash, with less OM. Leucaena was richer in most nutrients than Napier. The study indicated the 50:50 silage was the optimal mix to maximize the overall nutritive value. The DM and CP disappearance constants a, b and c were similar for all silages. PP: LL mixing ratio did not affect the DM and CP degradability kinetics of the silages. There was no effect on total dietary intake, apparent digestibility and N retention. Top Keywords Degradability, Digestibility, Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Silage. Top |