EVALUATION OF ENSILING QUALITIES OF SIGNAL GRASS (Brachiaria mulato II) AND COOK STYLO (Stylosanthes guianensis) AT DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS
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Abstract
The study evaluated the ensiling qualities of Stylosanthes guianensis (Cook), grown with Brachiaria mulato II (Signal grass) at different mixing ratios.. The treatments were the mixtures 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 showed that irrespective of different mixing proportions of Stylosanthes guianensis – Brachiaria mulato II, the colours 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 24.60
– 29.60C. Crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by treatment, although numerically higher CP values were observed in the 50:50 mixture. Fibre fractions (ADF and NDF), dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM) and relative feed value (RFV) varied significantly (p<0.05) among treatments. The 50% Mulato II and 50% Stylo mixture produced silage with improved crude protein and better feeding value indices, suggesting its suitability as high-quality ruminant feed during periods of forage scarcity. The study therefore recommends integrating forage legumes such as Stylosanthes guianensis with tropical grasses during silage production to improve nutritional quality and feed utilization.
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