EFFECT OF UREA TREATMENT AND PERIOD OF PRESERVATION ON PHYSICAL AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SUGARCANE TOP SILAGE

Abstract

Urea treatment is one of the methods of improving the nutritive value of low quality crop residues for efficient utilization by animals. This study investigated the effect of different levels of urea (0, 2, 4 and 6%) and preservation periods (14, 28 and 42 days) on physical and nutritive value of sugarcane top silage. Sugarcane tops were treated with 0, 2, 4 and 6% urea solution/kg DM SCT and ensiled for 14, 28 and 42 days. Ail silages contained 20g molasses. The physical characteristics and chemical composition of the silages were determined. Results revealed that the physical characteristics (colour, odour and mouldiness) of sugarcane top silage improved with addition of urea. The dry matter, NDF and ADF contents of silages decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased in the period of preservation. However, 2% urea treated sugarcane top silage recorded the lowest NDE ADF and ADL content. The crude protein content was significantly highest (P < 0.05) in 6% urea treated silage (13.18%) and in silage kept for 42 days (12.05%). Ensiling periods and levels of urea treatment had no significant different (P > 0.05) on the ether extract content of the silages while the ash content was significantly highest (P < 0.05) in silage kept for 42 days. The study deduced that treating sugarcane top with urea and ensiling for 42 days improved its nutritive value.