Sustainable Use of Legume Residues: Effect on Nutritive Value and Ensiling Characteristics of Maize Straw Silage

Onke Hawu, Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali, Hilda Kwena Mokoboki, Cornelia Kedidimetse Lebopa and Nkosomzi Sipango
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Onke Hawu: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Hilda Kwena Mokoboki: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Cornelia Kedidimetse Lebopa: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
Nkosomzi Sipango: Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-11

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritive value, in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD), and ensiling characteristics of legume foliage–maize straw silages. For silage, the proportion of legume to maize was 20%:80% (maize–lablab (ML), maize–indigenous cowpea (MI), maize–Betswit (MB), and maize–Dr Saunders (MD)). Maize alone (M) was used as a control, making up five treatments. Silages were opened after 45 days, and samples were taken for chemical composition, IVDMD, and fermentation characteristics analysis. Other samples were put through a seven-day aerobic stability test. All data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance, in a completely randomized design (CRD). For the nutritive value of the silage, the ML had the highest ( p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) content, when compared with other silages. Maize–Betswit had the lowest ( p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content, when compared with other silages. The lowest ( p < 0.05) ether-extract (EE) and hemicellulose content was recorded for MI silage. The lowest ( p < 0.05) pH was recorded for maize silage. All silages had similar ( p > 0.05) amounts of lactic acid (LA), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), yeast, and mould counts. The MI had the lowest ( p < 0.05) carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration, when compared with other silages. The highest ( p < 0.05) IVDMD was recorded for ML silage, from 24 h up to 72 h. The addition of legumes in maize straw resulted in improved silage quality and fermentation characteristics.

Keywords: aerobic stability; animal nutrition; crude protein rumen fermentation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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