Productivity and Silage Quality of Grass-Legume Mixtures Treated with Citrus Pulp

Baba, M.; Monsurudeen, A.O.; Muhammad, I. R.

Baba, M. Department Animal Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
Monsurudeen, A.O. Department Animal Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
Muhammad, I. R. Department of Animal Science, Bayero University, Kano

Keywords: Grass, Legume, Silage, Citrus pulp

Abstract

The experiment was conducted from April to September 2018 at Bayero University, Kano. The objective was to evaluate the compatibility of Sorghum almum grass in mixture with three forage legumes (Cajanus cajan, Lablab purpureus and Mucuna pruriens) as well as silage quality of the most compatible mixture when treated with citrus pulp. Treatments for compatibility study were (Sorghum almum monoculture, 3 legumes monocultures and mixtures of grass with legumes at 50:50) replicated in four blocks in a randomized complete block design. Seeds of grass and legumes were sown in 3.5m x 2m plots. The results showed that lablab monoculture produced significantly (P<0.05) higher cumulative total dry matter yield than monoculture of grass, monoculture of other legumes and mixtures. The cumulative total dry matter yield of mixtures was not significantly different. The leaf to stem ratio was higher for Sorghum almum – lablab mixture. It was concluded that Sorghum almum-Lablab and Sorghum almum-Mucuna recorded higher percentages (52.6 and 55.7% respectively) of legumes in mixtures compared to Sorghum almum-Cajanus (12.9%) indicating compatibility. Sorghum almum- lablab 50:50 sowing arrangement had higher potential for nutritional quality by virtue of its higher leaf to stem ratio. The quality of Sorghum almum-lablab mixture was evaluated through ensilage with varying levels of citrus pulp. The experiment was a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The treatments were two Sorghum almum-lablab proportions (60:40 and 70:30) and four inclusion
levels of citrus pulp (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). The results showed that irrespective of proportion of Sorghum almum, lablab and citrus pulp, the colour of all silages was yellowish green with sweet aroma. Addition of citrus pulp reduced silage pH and fibre fractions. Furthermore, 60:40 Sorghum almum-lablab mixture had significantly (P<0.05) higher ash, nitrogen free extract with correspondingly lower crude fibre and acid detergent fibre. Therefore, silage made from Sorghum almum-lablab mixture at 60:40 proportion with 10 – 15% level of inclusion of citrus pulp can be utilized by ruminant farmers and thus recommended.

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