Silage Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Differently Ensiled Napier Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum)

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the silage characteristics and nutritive value (chemical and mineral compositions) of differently ensiled Napier grass. Napier grass harvested at 16 weeks after planting was wilted for a day and ensiled in black polythene sheets for two months. Four treatments were investigated thus; T₁=untreated/plain, T₂=treated with 4% urea, T₃=treated with 4% molasses and T₄=treated with 2% molasses and 2% urea. All the treatments produced well-fermented silage with pH values ranging from 4.03 to 4.31. The most favorable qualities were observed in T₃, which had a drier texture, light brown colour and plesantly ethanolic smell. Crude protein content was highest in T₂ (10.35%), followed by T₄ (10.24%), indicating improved nitrogen retention from urea addition. T₃ exibited the highest dry matter (48.11%), ether extract (3.32%) and ash (10.24%) contents. Mineral analysis revealed that the contents varied marginally across the treatments but the concenrations were all within acceptable ranges. Sodium and calcium were highest in T₂ (0.71 g/kg) and T₄ (2.25 g/kg) respectively, while phosphorus was slightly elevated in T₃ (1.93 g/kg). In conclusion, the inclusion of additives (molasses and/or urea) enhanced the silage quality and nutritional quality better than ensiling without additives. Ensiling Napier grass with 4% molasses is highly recommended as it has shown to have a superior fermentation quality and nutrient availability.