| Livestock Research for Rural Development 29 (1) 2017 | Guide for preparation of papers | LRRD Newsletter | Citation of this paper |
Addition of protein-rich by-products to low quality crop residues improved their nutritional potential and serve as feed resource to ruminants especially during the dry season. Sugarcane top (SCT) was ensiled with broiler litter (BL) at varying proportions of 0, 15, 30 and 45% respectively using 1kg capacity plastic buckets lined with black polythene bags under room temperature for 14, 28 and 42 days. All silages contained 20g molasses. The physical characteristics, fermentative parameters and chemical composition of the silages were determined.
Results revealed that the physical properties of silages improved with addition of broiler litter. Ensiling periods had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the pH of the silages. Addition of broiler litter increased (P < 0.05) silage pH, acetic acid, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations. The dry matter and crude protein contents of the silage increased (P < 0.05) with increase in the level of broiler litter. Sugarcane top with 45% BL ensiled for 42 days recorded the highest (P < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein contents (41.20% and 13.87%). Ether extract and ash contents were lowest in 0% BL treated silages. Neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin contents were lowest in 45% BL treated SCT ensiled for 42 days (60.63, 34.20 and 10.69%). It was concluded that ensiling sugarcane top with 45% broiler litter increased the nutrient content and feeding potential of sugarcane top.
Keywords: chemical composition, fermentative parameters, silage
Successful livestock production required regular and adequate feed supply all year round. However, the problem of feed inadequacy during the dry season is a major concerned to most farmers. There is usually abundance feed in form of natural pasture during the raining season, which decline in both quality and quantity way into the dry season. During this season, forages are fibrous, lignified with low protein value and even in short supply (Babayemi et al 2003). Hence, animals are unable to meet their protein and energy needs with consequent marked weight loss and low productivity. One of the ways of alleviating these problems is through improving the feeding value of crop residues that are usually available during the time when other green fodders are scarce. One of such crop residues is sugarcane tops, which is derived from harvesting of the cane and had been considered as one of the important feed resource for ruminant in the tropics (Preston and Leng 1991). Sugarcane top is highly palatable with good voluntary consumption when chaffed and fed to ruminants (Tadasse et al 2014). However, it is lacking in protein and minerals and also had low energy value (Leng and Preston 1985) therefore; ensiling it with nitrogen-rich substances such as poultry waste could improve its nutritive value and hence feed resource for ruminant. Poultry litter is a major waste from poultry production that constitutes serious disposal and environmental pollution problems globally despite its potential as animal feed (Makinde 2012). Its a vast reservoir of cheap nutrients being a source of crude protein and mineral. It contained high uric acid which under high pressure is hydrolysed to ammonia thereby acting on the lignin bond of crop residues (Sundstol and Worth 1984) and thus releasing the energy contained in them for use by the animals fed such residue. Uric acid contained in the poultry litter is also used by the rumen microorganisms to make their body protein and subsequently get digested in the lower gut for use by the host animals. The study therefore investigated the nutritive value of sugarcane top ensiled with broiler litter at different period of preservation
The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory Unit of Animal Nutrition Department, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. This lies between the savannah agro-ecological zone of Western Nigeria (Latitude 7°, 121 N, Longitude 3º, 20 1E, average annual rainfall of 1037mm).
Sugarcane tops were collected fresh immediately after harvesting, chopped into small pieces (about 2-4cm) and allowed to wilt overnight by spreading it in a well ventilated shed. Broiler litter was collected from the Poultry Unit of the University Farm and was sun-dried on a cleaned concrete floor for 7 days to about 11% moisture, crushed and milled to ensure thorough mixing of the litter components. Samples of sugarcane top and dried broiler litter were taken and analysed for chemical composition. Dried broiler litter was mixed with sugarcane top at 0, 15, 30 or 45% (on dry matter basis) levels along with 20g molasses in water separately on a clean concrete floor. The properly mixed samples were firmly packed and pressed sufficiently to make airtight by hand pressure into respective 1kg capacity plastic buckets already double lined with black polythene bags. The bags were tightly tied and covered to avoid air penetration. Heavy stones were placed on each bucket until the expiration of fermentation. Each treatment was replicated three times and the ensiled materials were kept at room temperature (range of 28 to 32ºC) for 14, 28 and 42 days. The different silage mixture contents were as shown in Table 1
|
Table 1. Composition of broiler litter treated sugarcane top silages |
||||
|
Ingredients |
0% BL-treated
|
15% BL-treated
|
30% BL-treated
|
45% BL-treated
|
|
SCT (g) |
980 |
830 |
680 |
530 |
|
Dried BL (g) |
- |
150 |
300 |
450 |
|
Molasses (g) |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
Water (mL) |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
SCT-sugarcane top, BL-broiler litter |
||||
Three silage bags per treatment were opened at day 14, 28 and 42. A laboratory thermometer was immediately inserted into the silages at each opening to determine the temperature. Samples were taken at random from three silage bags per treatment at day 14, 28 and 42. This was done by taking sub-samples from each silage bag at different points and depths and bulked together, 25g of each sample taken was homogenized with 100mL distilled water in a blender at full speed for one minute. The homogenate was filtered through four layers cheese cloth and the filtrate was used for the determination of pH using pH meter (CT 6020). Water soluble carbohydrate and volatile fatty acids concentration were also determined from the filtrate by the methods of Dubois et al. (1956) and Barker and Summerson (1941) respectively. In addition, ammonia nitrogen concentration was determined by micro kjeldahl method (AOAC 2005). Samples taken were observed for physical characteristics in terms of colour, odour and mouldiness (Bates 1998). Colour assessment was done using visual observation with the aid of colour chart while the odour of the silages was relatively assessed as to whether nice, pleasant, fruity or pungent. Mouldiness of the silage was assessed by five different people and observations made were recorded.
Sub - sample of 500g of different silage treatment were oven dried at 65ºC until constant weight was obtained to determine the dry matter. The dried samples were then ground, made to pass through 1mm screen for chemical analyses of the samples. The crude protein, ether extract and ash content of the samples were analysed according to AOAC (2005). The fibre fractions; neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were determined according to Van Soest et al. (1991). Non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) was determined by calculation (100 – (%CP+%Ash+%EE+%NDF).
All data were arranged in a 4x3 factorial design using four graded levels of broiler litter (0, 15, 30 and 45%) to treat sugarcane top and ensiled for three periods (14, 28 and 42 days). The data were subjected to two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomised design while significant differences among means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range F-test (SAS 1999). Data were analysed using the model;
Yijk = µ + αi + βj + (αβ)ij + Ʃijk where Yijkl is the observed value of the dependent variables, µ is population mean, αi is the main effect of levels of broiler litter, βj is the main effect of ensiling periods, (αβ)ij is the interaction effect of broiler litter and period of ensiling and Ʃijk is the random residual error
Table 2 presents the chemical composition of sugarcane top and broiler litter used for the study. The crude protein content of sugarcane top obtained in this study was similar to the value of 60g/kg reported by Chaudry and Naseer (2008) and lower than 72.44g/kg reported by Tiwari et al. (2013). However, the current crude protein content of sugarcane top was lower than 8% (80g/kg) crude protein required to satisfying the maintenance of ruminants (Norton 2003). This implies that sugarcane top needs to be supplemented with nitrogen rich substances to make it a better feedstuff for ruminant. The crude protein content of broiler litter (203g/kg) used was similar to the value of 20% (200g/kg) reported by Ososanya et al. (2007) but lower than 281g/kg reported by Abdul et al. (2008). The ash, NDF, ADF and ADL contents of broiler litter were similar to those stated by Chaudry and Naseer (2012). The variations in the nutrient composition of broiler litter used in this study as compared with previous studies might be due to the type of feed consumed by birds, degree of contamination of excreta with bedding, type of bedding materials used and the processing techniques adopted (Owen et al 2008).
|
Table 2. Chemical composition of sugarcane top and broiler litter |
||
|
Parameters |
Sugarcane top |
Broiler litter |
|
Dry matter, g/kg |
352 |
891 |
|
Crude protein, g/kg DM |
62.5 |
203 |
|
Ash, g/kg DM |
80.0 |
200 |
|
Ether extract, g/kg DM |
30.0 |
20.0 |
|
Neutral detergent fibre, g/kg DM |
700 |
389 |
|
Acid detergent fibre, g/kg DM |
426 |
263 |
|
Acid detergent lignin, g/kg DM |
140 |
153 |
|
Cellulose, g/kg DM |
286 |
110 |
|
Hemicelluloses, g/kg DM |
274 |
126 |
The physical properties of broiler litter treated sugarcane top silage is presented in Table 3. The colour and odour of silages improved with increase in the level of broiler litter and ensiling periods. The greenish-yellow and yellowish-green colours observed in all the silages were acceptable colours for good silages (Bates 1998). All broiler litter treated silages had pleasant aroma which improved as level of broiler litter and ensiling period increased. Similar observations have been made by Hadijpanayotou (1982) on poultry litter ensiled alone or with barley straw and a mixture of weeds and grapefruit peels. Kung and Shaver (2002) reported that pleasant smell is accepted for good or well-made silage. The temperature range observed in all broiler litter treated silages was similar to the range (25 – 27.50ºC) reported by Babayemi (2009) for silage from Guinea grass. Excessive heat production had been reported to results in maillard or browning reaction which can reduce digestibility of protein and fibre components (Bolsen et al 1996). Under this reaction, the useful protein form complexes with carbohydrate and thereby making them less digestible.
|
Table 3. Physical properties of broiler litter treated sugarcane top silage |
|||||
|
Parameters |
Ensiling |
Level of broiler litter (%) |
|||
|
0 |
15 |
30 |
45 |
||
|
Colour |
14 |
Greenish yellow |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
|
28 |
Greenish yellow |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
|
|
42 |
Greenish yellow |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
Yellowish green |
|
|
Odour |
14 |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
|
28 |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
|
|
42 |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
|
|
Mouldiness |
14 |
Without mould |
Without mould |
Without mould |
Without mould |
|
28 |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
|
|
42 |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
Slightly mouldy |
|
|
Temperature |
14 |
26.1 |
26.4 |
26.4 |
26.3 |
|
28 |
25.9 |
26.3 |
26.3 |
26.4 |
|
|
42 |
26.0 |
26.2 |
26.3 |
26.3 |
|
Addition of broiler litter and ensiling periods significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the fermentative parameters of sugarcane top silage (Table 4). It was noted that the pH of all silages increased with addition of broiler litter when compared with that of control (0% broiler litter treated silage). Similar observation had been made by Nowar (1984) when maize was ensiled with or without urea or poultry litter to increase the crude protein content, and increased pH with increasing rate of additive was noted. However, the pH range observed in silages containing broiler litter was within the pH limit of good silage as reported by McDonald (1981). Lactic acid concentration of silages increased with advance in ensiling periods; this was in accordance with Aguilera et al. (1997). The lactic acid concentration recorded for all silages was greater than 6% which indicated completion of desirable fermentation in these silages as stated by Kung and Shaver (2001). The acetic acid concentration of silages increased with addition of broiler litter compared with the control and the range of acetic acid concentration observed in the present study was slightly higher than that reported for grass silage (Kung and Shaver 2001). The increase might be as a result of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source (broiler litter) included in the silage. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations of all silages produced were within the normal range (less than 0.1% for propionic acid and 0.5 – 1.0% for butyric acid) reported for grass silage (Kung and Shaver 2002). Among silages containing broiler litter, 45% broiler litter treated silage of 42 days recorded the least value for ammonia nitrogen concentration. This implies that protein breakdown in the silo due to a slow reaction in pH reduction or clostridial action was minimal as a value less than 50g/kg (5%) ammonia nitrogen has been reported to indicate an excellent fermentation, stable silage and minimal nutrient loss while values greater than 150g/kg (15%) ammonia nitrogen indicated poor fermentation (Blake 2014).
|
Table 4. Effects of ensiling periods and levels of broiler litter treatment on fermentative parameters of sugarcane top silage |
||||||||
|
Ensiling |
Level of |
Parameters |
||||||
|
pH |
Lactic |
Acetic |
Butyric |
Propionic |
WSC |
NH3-N |
||
|
14 days |
0 |
3.81b |
7.53bcd |
1.80d |
0.04e |
0.01cd |
3.95c |
3.85e |
|
15 |
4.84a |
6.47d |
2.67c |
0.33d |
0.03a |
4.78ab |
6.50b |
|
|
30 |
4.85a |
6.88bcd |
2.67c |
0.47bcd |
0.02bc |
4.55b |
6.42b |
|
|
45 |
4.83a |
7.42abcd |
2.81bc |
0.50abcd |
0.01cd |
5.09a |
6.86a |
|
|
28 days |
0 |
3.81b |
8.92ab |
2.03d |
0.05e |
0.00e |
2.64f |
3.20e |
|
15 |
4.81a |
6.70cd |
2.95abc |
0.40cd |
0.007ed |
3.29de |
6.20c |
|
|
30 |
4.85a |
6.97cd |
3.13ab |
0.53abc |
0.01cd |
3.04e |
6.10c |
|
|
45 |
4.78a |
8.14abc |
3.23a |
0.60ab |
0.00e |
3.39d |
6.10c |
|
|
42 days |
0 |
3.68b |
9.38a |
2.07d |
0.05e |
0.02b |
1.32h |
3.25e |
|
15 |
4.79a |
6.72cd |
2.92abc |
0.33d |
0.01cd |
1.60gh |
4.55d |
|
|
30 |
4.90a |
7.21bcd |
3.27a |
0.67a |
0.013bcd |
1.57gh |
5.00d |
|
|
45 |
4.90a |
8.27abc |
3.20a |
0.67a |
0.01cd |
1.70g |
4.50d |
|
|
SEM |
0.04 |
0.18 |
0.06 |
0.03 |
0.001 |
0.22 |
0.14 |
|
|
Prob. |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
|
|
abcdefgh
Means on the same column having different superscripts are significantly different (p< 0.05)
|
||||||||
The dry matter and the crude protein contents of the silages increased with increase in the level of broiler litter and ensiling periods (Table 5). Highest values (41.20% and 13.87% respectively) were recorded in 45% broiler litter treated silage of 42 days. Meanwhile, these values were lower than 52.20% and 15.10% reported for dry matter and crude protein contents respectively by Chaudhry and Naseer (2008) when sugarcane top was ensiled with 40% broiler litter. Variation observed could be attributed to the difference in the dry matter and crude protein contents of sugarcane top and broiler litter used. Baba et al. (2010) also observed linear increase in the dry matter and crude protein contents of Kyasuwa hay ( Pennisetum pedicella)) ensiled with varying proportion of poultry litter. Interestingly, the crude protein content of most silage in the present study was higher than 8% crude protein considered as minimal requirement for ruminant animals according to Norton (2003). Values obtained for non-fibre carbohydrate content of the silages is a clear indication of well fermented and preserved silage as supported by the findings of Ferreira et al. (2004)
|
Table 5. Effects of ensiling periods and levels of broiler litter treatment on chemical composition of sugarcane top silage |
|||||||||
|
Ensiling |
Levels of |
Parameters |
|||||||
|
DM,
|
CP,
% |
EE,% |
Ash,
% |
NFC,
% |
NDF,
% |
ADF,
% |
ADL,
% |
||
|
14 days |
0 |
30.7e |
7.70ef |
2.23c |
8.3e |
12.1abcd |
69.7a |
43.0a |
12.7a |
|
15 |
35.1d |
9.58e |
2.25c |
10.7d |
13.5ab |
64.0b |
37.6cd |
12.3a |
|
|
30 |
37.1c |
10.6c |
3.00b |
13.7ab |
9.1cde |
63.6b |
37.4cd |
11.4a |
|
|
45 |
40.1b |
12.9b |
1.75c |
13.5abc |
8.7de |
63.2b |
35.5de |
12.0a |
|
|
28 days |
0 |
29.1e |
7.75ef |
2.17c |
8.50e |
12.9abc |
68.7a |
41.7de |
12.3a |
|
15 |
35.0d |
8.28e |
3.50ab |
11.3dc |
13.3ab |
63.7b |
37.1cde |
12.4a |
|
|
30 |
37.9c |
11.2c |
3.33ab |
14.5a |
7.53ef |
63.5b |
36.8de |
12.4a |
|
|
45 |
40.9ab |
13.5ab |
3.50ab |
14.4ab |
5.22f |
63.0b |
34.7de |
11.3a |
|
|
42 days |
0 |
29.0e |
8.00de |
1.82c |
8.00e |
13.9a |
68.3a |
34.7de |
12.1a |
|
15 |
35.2d |
9.40e |
3.72a |
10.7d |
12.4ab |
63.8b |
37.4cde |
12.5a |
|
|
30 |
37.0c |
13.3c |
2.17c |
13.3abc |
10.3bcde |
63.0b |
35.8de |
13.2a |
|
|
45 |
41.2a |
13.9a |
3.16ab |
12.2bcd |
10.6bcde |
60.6c |
34.2e |
10.7b |
|
|
SEM |
|
0.68 |
0.33 |
0.13 |
0.42 |
0.47 |
0.47 |
0.50 |
0.22 |
|
Prob. |
|
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.0001 |
0.016 |
|
abcdef
Means on the same column having different superscripts are significantly different (p< 0.05)
|
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Received 17 October 2016; Accepted 7 November 2016; Published 1 January 2017