EFFECTS OF FRUITS PEELS AS AN ADDITIVES ON ENSILING QUALITIES OF GAMBA GRASS (Andropogon gayanus)

Abstract

The research was conducted to evaluate the ensiling qualities of Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) with Orange (Citrus sinensis), Watermelon (Citrillus lanatus) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) peels as silage additives. Andropogon gayanus was sole ensiled (0% peels) as control (T1). However, it also ensiled with the peels of Citrus sinensis, at 2% (T2), 4% (T3), 6% (T4), Citrillus lanatus at 1% (T5), 3% (T6), %5 (T7) and Ananas comosus at 1% (T8), 3% (T9) and 6% (T10) levels of inclusion respectively, making ten (10) treatments and were replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant at probability level of 0.05. The Andropogon gayanus was harvested and chopped into 1 to 2 cm manually. The chopped grass was combined with each of the fruit’s peels based on treatments and ensiled for 3weeks in silos at room temperature. They were evaluated for colour, aroma, pH, proximate composition, energy and minerals content. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the parameters evaluated. The pH values decrease to acidity with increase in the levels of peels inclusion. In term of minerals contents T1 and T7 were superior in Mg, Ca and Na compared to other treatments. In conclusion, addition of fruits peels in Andropogon gayanus silage improved qualities and it is therefore recommended that, only Citrus sinensis peels can be added up to 6%, while the remaining peels should not exceed 3%, because it may result in poor quality silages with rancid aroma.