Binuomote R. T^1,, Okunlola David², Odunayo O. E.¹, Ojo T. Y¹

The silage characteristics and preferences of WAD goats for elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) ensiled with varying levels of brewer dried grain (BDG) and Cassava peel (CP) was investigated as follows: Treatment 1 (100% P. purpureum); Treatment 2 (60% P. purpureum + 40% B DG + 0% CP); Treatment 3 (60% P. purpureum + 30% BDG + 10% CP); Treatment 4 (60% P. purpureum + 20% BDG + 20% CP) + Treatment 5 (60% P. purpureum + 10% BDG + 30% CP); Treatment 6 (60% P. purpureum + 0% BDG + 40% CP). The silage was allowed to ferment for 56 days. Result revealed pH (3.95-5.27), Ammonia NH₃ (0.90-1.05) and water soluble carbohydrate WSC (1.08-1.24). Chemical composition showed that it contained 25.30% - 51.80% dry matter (DM), 10.95 – 21.80% crude protein (CP), 15.51 - 17.90% ash content, 3.50 – 3.85% ether extract (EE), 62.00 – 64.25% Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 29.00 – 32.33% Acid detergent fiber (ADF), 12.75 – 13.90% Acid detergent lignin (ADL). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the ether extract (EE) across the silage mixtures. The order of preference of silage diet by WAD goat is T2, T3, T4, T6, T5 and T1. Elephant grass ensiled with cassava peels and brewer dried grain (BDG) holds potentials as silage feed for ruminants showing better quality and acceptability by WAD goat as BDG increased in the diets.

elephant grass, WAD goats, cassava peel, brewers dried grain, silage