Bio-nutrients profile of ensiled Musa paradisiaca l peels with Centrosema pubescens leaves for ruminants

Abstract

Bio-nutrient profile of ensiled ripe Musa paradisiaca (MP) peels with different levels of Centrosema pubescens (CP) leaves was studied. C. pubescens leaves were chopped to 3-5cm, wilted and ensiled with MP peels at different proportions (%) to have five experimental treatments in a Completely Randomized Design: T1:100 MP peel; T2:75% MP+25% CP; T3:50% MP + 50% CP; T4:25% MP + 75% CP; and T5:100% CP. Buckets (4litres) were used as laboratory silos. The treatments were packed, compressed, compacted to expel air and sealed with black polythene bag materials and kept for 28 days. Physical characteristics, proximate composition, fibre fractions and anti-nutritional factors were examined. The result showed a pleasant odour in all the treatment groups with colour range from deep brown in T1, greenish brown in T2, T3, T4 and deep green in T5. The texture was firm in all the treatment combinations, while the pH ranges from 4.83-5.14. There was an absence of mould infestation in all the treatments. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract. Furthermore, the fibre fraction showed significant (P<0.05) difference in neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre. Acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, while the tannin, saponin, and phytate differed significantly (P<0.05). We conclude that ensilage of M. paradisiaca peels with C. pubescens can sustain ruminant production especially during the dry season due to their nutritive content.