Evaluation of chemical compositions of grass-legume silages produced in Umudike, rainforest zone of South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Livestock productivity in tropical regions is frequently hindered by limited availability of high‑quality forage during dry seasons, leading to nutritional stress and reduced animal performance. This study evaluated the proximate composition, fibre fractions, mineral profile and anti-nutritional characteristics of grass–legume silages produced in Umudike, south-eastern Nigeria. Four forage compositions were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates: sole Cenchrus purpureus (CP), C. purpureus + Calopogonium mucunoides (CPC), C. purpureus + Gliricidia sepium (CPG), and C. purpureus + Moringa oleifera (CPM), each at 50:50 except the sole grass. Samples were analysed after six weeks of ensiling for proximate composition, fibre fractions, minerals and anti-nutritional factors. Legume inclusion improved crude protein, mineral content and selected fibre characteristics compared with sole grass silage. At six weeks, CPM recorded the highest crude protein and mineral concentrations, with lower neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre than most treatments. Anti-nutritional factors declined with longer ensiling and remained within levels considered tolerable for ruminants. The study concludes that inclusion of Moringa oleifera or Calopogonium mucunoides can improve the feeding value of Elephant grass silage. The study recommends grass–legume silage, particularly CPM, for dry-season ruminant feeding in the rainforest zone of Nigeria.