EVALUATION OF ENSILING QUALITIES OF SIGNAL GRASS ( Brachiaria mulato II) AND COOK STYLO (Stylosanthes guianensis) AT DIFFERENT PROPORTION

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the ensiling qualities of stylosanthes guianensis (Cook), grown with Brachiaria mulato II (Signal grass) at different mixing ratio. The experiment was conducted at Animal Science Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano. The treatments were the mixture of Stylosanthes guianensis and Brachiaria mulato II at 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100% ratios laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three thrice. Fresh Brachiaria mulato II and Stylosanthes guianensis were harvested, wilted for 24 hours and chopped to 2-3cm long for ease of compaction and combination for silage. The research materials in the silos were sealed tightly and allowed for 28 days fermentation period. At expiration, the resultant silages were scored for colour and aroma by three independent scorers. The results of silage study showed that irrespective of different mixing proportions of Stylosanthes guianensis – Brachiaria mulato II, the colour of the ensiled mixtures were yellowish green with pleasant and very sweet aroma. The pH recorded was slightly acidic in all the treatment combinations with a temperature range of 24.60C – 29.60C. The crude protein (CP) and ether extract content of the silage were not significantly (p>0.05) different, but numerically higher than the mean value of the former obtained in Stylosanthes guianensis (50%) Brachiaria mulato II (50%). The study concluded that the use of legume in preparation of grass silages has advantages to silage quality characteristics and nutritional composition. The result obtained revealed that the composite silage made from 50% Mulato II plus 50% stylo resulted in silage with higher CP and a better dry matter intake content.