INFLUENCE OF PARTICLE SIZE ON THE QUALITY OF ENSILED CASSAVA PEEL-LEAF  MIX

V. U. Odoemelam; L. C. Okonkwo; N. J Anyanwu; C. C. Ekwe; N. O. Aladi; E. U. Ahiwe; P. C. Ukwu

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.5612

Authors

V. U. Odoemelam Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State
L. C. Okonkwo Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State
N. J Anyanwu Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State
C. C. Ekwe National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike – Umuahia. Abia State.
N. O. Aladi Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State
E. U. Ahiwe Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State
P. C. Ukwu Federal University of Technology, Owerrri, Imo State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5612

Keywords:

Cassava peels and leaves, ensiling, particle size, quality

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the influence of particle size on the quality of ensiled cassava peel-leaf mix. Two groups of cassava peels and cassava leaves were used. One group was chopped into small sizes of 2cm-3cm and ensiled at a proportion of 70%:30% Cassava peel and Cassava leaf respectively and ensiled, while the other group was left unchopped and also ensiled at a proportion 70%:30% Cassava peel and cassava leaf respectively. 24 samples were used, 12 samples per treatment. The independent samples T-test was employed in analyzing and comparing means. Results from Proximate composition, cyanide content and physico-chicemical characteristics (Colour, Texture, Smell, Mouldiness, pH, Temperature) showed that particle size significantly influenced quality of ensiled cassava peel-leaf mix. The Unchopped group of ensiled cassava peel-leaf mix though produced good silage, but Chopped ensiled cassava peelleaf mix yielded significantly better (p<0.05) silage. Chopping cassava peel-leaf mix to small sizes of about 2cm-3ccm before ensiling is recommended.