Fermentation characteristics and nutrient composition of browses ensiled with maize fodder

Browses are important sources of feed and are widely used for animal nutrition to enhance productivity. They are commonly ensiled with other forages such as maize (Zea mays). However, the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of browses, that are commonly used are largely unknown. Thus, a study was carried out in laboratory silos to determine the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of Calliandra (Calliandra calorthyrsus), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) browses ensiled with maize (Zea mays) forage. The browses were mixed with maize fodder in the proportion of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% on dry matter (DM) basis and ensiled in triplicate 2 kg lots in polythene bags which acted as silos and allowed to ferment for 30 days. There was good fermentation in all the silages as indicated by adequate levels of lactic acid ranging between 2.85 to 3.13% dry matter and pH ranging from 3.99 to 4.06. Butyric acid levels were low ranging from 0.04 to 0.14 up to 20% browse addition. Whereas maize silage had 6.25% crude protein, the 30% browse/maize silages had crude protein content of 12.82, 11.37 and 11.89% for Calliandra/maize, Gliricidia/maize and Leucaena/maize, respectively. Gliricidia/maize silages exhibited the best fermentation and nutrient patterns.