Binuomote R. T^1,, Ojo T.Y.¹, Abegunde V.¹, Omotoso M.¹, Rotimi O.¹

Forage scarcity in the dry season is a challenge for ruminant production in the tropics. The utilization of Brachiaria decumbens, particularly as silage can bridge this gap. The potentials of Brachiaria decumbens ensiled with varying levels of brewers’ dried grain (BDG) and cassava peel as dry season feed for West African dwarf (WAD) goats were assessed. Different mixtures of Brachiaria decumbens, BDG and cassava peel were ensiled as follow: T1:100% B. decumbens, T2:60% B. decumbens + 40%BDG + 0% cassava peel; T3:60% B. decumbens+ 30% BDG+10% cassava peel, T4: 60% B. decumbens+ 20% BDG+20% cassava peel, T5:60% B. decumbens + 10% BDG+ 30% cassava peel, T6:60% B. decumbens+ 40% cassava peel. The silages were offered to twelve West African Dwarf Goat to assess the preference of the silage in a cafeteria experiment. Appearance, odour, colour and texture had acceptable physical attributes with pH value ranging from 4.3- 4.7. Chemical composition of the silage diet showed 24.60-43.90% Dry matter (DM),15.80-17.66% Crude protein (CP), 15.80-17.66% Ash, 3.37-3.68% Ether extract (EE), 71.45-73.85% Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 50.65-53.30% Acid detergent fiber (ADF), 23.30-24.60% Acid detergent lignin (ADL), 20.45 -23.20% Hemicellulose, 27.35-29.05% Cellulose, 0.24- 0.26% Calcium. DM, CP and hemicellulose were significantly affected. The coefficient of preference and percentage of preference shows that treatment 1 which is 100% Brachiaria decumbens was more preferred by goat than other silage mixture. The order of preference was T1>T2>T6>T3>T4>T5. The result showed that Brachiaria decumbens ensiled with BDG and cassava can be preserved as feed for ruminant in time of fed scarcity.

Brachiaria decumbens, WAD goats, Cassava peel, Brewers Dried grain, silage