Abstract
The nutritive value of the fresh and ensiled amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus) treated with various levels of molasses was assessed. Three levels of molasses ( i.e., 0, 50, 100 g/kg of fresh basis) were compared. Both fresh and ensiled amaranth was rich in Ca, K and Mg, moderate in P and low in Na. Ensiling decreased NDFom and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) contents ( P<0.05) but had no effect on dry matter (DM), ADFom, lignin(sa), nitrate and oxalic acid content. Ensiling increased CP and SP content ( P<0.05), but decreased TP, NDICP and ADICP ( P<0.05). In vitro gas production of fresh amaranth were higher than those for ensiled forage ( P<0.05). Addition of molasses decreased ( P<0.05) pH, cell wall fractions, CP, Ca, P, Mg, TP, NDICP, ADICP, butyric acid and ammonia-N, but increased ( P<0.05) DM, Na, K, SP, WSC, lactic, acetic, propionic acid, in vitro gas production and estimated parameters. Based on its moderate CP value and in vitro gas production, amaranth has potential as a livestock forage and, when drying is not practical, amaranth can be preserved as silage.
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