EFFECTS OF MOISTURE LEVELS ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF ENSILED SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM OFFISINARUM) WASTE ENHANCED WITH POULTRY LITTER

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of moisture levels on the nutritive value of ensiled sugarcane waste (ESCW) enhanced with poultry litter in a completely randomized experimental design. Combinations of 60% Sugarcane waste (SCW) plus 40% poultry litter (PL) were ensiled using different moisture levels to make four (4) treatments viz. treatment A (600mls), B (800mls), C (1000mls), and D (1200mls) of water each, in triplicates. At the expiration of the ensiling period (21 days), all silages were assessed for physical characteristics and sub samples were taken for analyses. The results of the physical characteristics showed that all the silages were adequately fermented with firmed texture, colours ranging from dark or deep brown to light brown or pale yellow while the aroma were pleasant, sweet and putrid. The results for the proximate analysis of the silages showed that moisture levels lead to significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatment means in all the parameters evaluated except Dry Matter. The Crude Protein, Crude Fibre and ash mean values were significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment C whereas treatment B had significantly (P<0.05) higher Ether Extracts and Nitrogen Free Extract values. In conclusion, based on the results of the physical characteristics and proximate composition, all the silages can be considered to be well fermented due to moisture levels enhanced fermentation, however, treatment C is recommended due to its higher Crude Protein content.