Abstract
The study evaluated the effect of ensiling without and with molasses-urea on the nutritive composition of Typha silages. Typha domingensis grass were collected from Hadeija Valley area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Harvested Typha grasses were chopped manually using cutlass to 2-3 cm and wilted for 48 hours. Molasses and urea were sprinkled accordingly to improve the silage qualities. The mixture were then packed and compressed in a plastic containers of ten kg and sealed using cello tape for each treatments. The silage were left to ferment for 90 days. Four Typha silages were made; T1; 0.5m Typha grass, T2; 0.5m Typha grass + molasses-urea, T3; 1.5m Typha grass and T4; 1.5m Typha grass + molasses-urea laid in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Typha silages were analyzed for chemical composition, mineral contents and fibre fractions. Typha silages have pH values within the optimum range (3.8-4.2). The chemical composition and fibre fractions were significantly (P<0.05) different in all the treatments evaluated. Ensiling of Typha grass with or without molasses-urea improved its crude protein, nitrogen free extract, Metabolizable energy. The CP content increased from 5.26 to 8.68% and NFE increased from 23.19 to 34.37%. Similarly, the gross energy (GE) increased from 915.53 to 1060.21 Mcal/kg. Treatment of Typha grass with molasses-urea improved the nutritive value of the ensiled Typha. It is recommended that treated Typha with molasses and urea should be used for better silage qualities.
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