Cassava Foliage Research Articles

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

Cassava Foliage Effects on Antioxidant Capacity, Growth, Immunity, and Ruminal Microbial Metabolism in Hainan Black Goats.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage is a byproduct of cassava production characterized by high biomass and nutrient content. In this study, we investigated the effects of cassava foliage on antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity status in goats, as well as rumen fermentation and microbial metabolism. Twenty-five Hainan black goats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 per group) and accepted five treatments: 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5) of the cassava foliage silage replaced king grass, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 70 d (including 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period). Feeding a diet containing 50% cassava foliage resulted in beneficial effects for goat growth and health, as reflected by the higher average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion rate (FCR), as well as by the reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CRE), and triglycerides (TG). Meanwhile, cassava foliage improved antioxidant activity by increasing the level of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lowering malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, feeding cassava foliage was also beneficial to immunity status by enhancing complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). Furthermore, the addition of dietary cassava foliage also altered rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial community composition, and metabolism. The abundance of Butyrivibrio_2 and Prevotella_1 was elevated, as were the concentrations of beneficial metabolites such as butyric acid; there was a concomitant decline in metabolites that hindered nutrient metabolism and harmed host health. In summary, goats fed a diet containing 50% cassava foliage silage demonstrated a greater abundance of Butyrivibrio_2, which enhanced the production of butyric acid; these changes led to greater antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity in the goats.

Physico-chemical Characteristics of Ensiled Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) Foliage, and Fermentation Kinetics of Cassava Silage

This study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) foliage with or without additives molasses and rice bran. Six treatment combinations were from two crop species (cassava and sweetpotato) and three additives (without additive, 10% molasses, and 10% rice bran). The physical (color, odor, texture) and chemical characteristics (pH, total soluble sugars, Flieg point, dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose) of the samples were evaluated following standard procedures. Fermentation kinetics of cassava foliage silage and ruminal in situ DM degradability of cassava foliage silage were evaluated for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h using cannulated cattle. Results showed that cassava foliage (CF) and sweetpotato foliage (SF) silages with molasses had the lowest pH of 3.82 and 3.80, respectively due to high TSS values of the samples. CF had the highest crude protein (19.06%) compared to SF silage (11.61%). Moreover, CF had low fiber fractions (NDF and ADF) resulting in a high effective dry matter degradability (74.73%) of the silage. Results on silage quality, nutritive value, and dry matter degradability evaluation proved the potential of cassava foliage silage with molasses as an alternative high protein feed for ruminants.

Effect of supplementation of different level of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage on growth performance of male yearling local goat in Dilla substation, Southern Ethiopia

Effect of supplementation of different level of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage on growth performance of male yearling local goat in Dilla substation, Southern Ethiopia

The effects of lactic acid bacteria and molasses on microbial community and fermentation performance of mixed silage of king grass and cassava foliage

In the present study, we aim to investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and molasses (M) on the microbial community and fermentation performance of mixed silage of king grass (KG) and cassava foliage (CF). A completely randomized design was used for the experiment. Mixed material was ensiled with no additive added (CK) for 60 days. Alternatively, mixed silage was supplemented with M, LAB (L), or M + LAB (ML) and then subjected to fermentation. Compared with the CK group, the contents of lactic acid and propionic acid in the L group were enhanced, whereas the content of acetic acid was reduced. Moreover, the levels of pH, butyric acid, and ammonia-N were not significantly changed. In contrast, the lower contents of pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, as well as ammonia-N in the M and ML groups were observed, whereas the content of lactic acid was elevated. Additives could change the silage quality of mixed silage to different extents. The effect of the L treatment was not ideal, and the ML group had a better fermentation quality compared with the M group. In terms of microbial community, the relative abundance of desirable Lactobacillus was increased in the M, L, and ML groups. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas was decreased in the M and L groups. Compared with the CK group, the relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas was decreased, especially in the M (0.18%) and ML (0.19%) groups. For Paenibacillus, its relative abundance was increased in the ML group and more significantly increased in the M group. In summary, the combination of LAB and M at an equal ratio had a more positive effect on the fermentation quality and microbial community of mixed silage than LAB and M alone.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Silage Fermentation and Bacterial Community of Three Tropical Forages

The fermentation quality and microbial diversity of king grass (K), cassava foliage (C), and Broussonetia papyrifera (B) ensiled in the absence of an inoculant (K, C, B) or the presence of Lactobacillus plantarum (KL, CL, BL) for 60 days were investigated. The bacterial community was characterized by using the 16S rDNA sequencing technology. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in K was very high, and it decreased after adding L. plantarum while Acinetobacter increased to some extent. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in group C was also very high, and the inoculant L. plantarum enriched it in the CL group. As the second dominant genus of group C, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas decreased significantly in CL. Weissella and Enterobacter were the dominant genera in B and BL, and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased in BL. For K, C, and B, the inoculant L. plantarum decreased the pH value and NH3-N content markedly, inhibited the production of butyric acid, increased the content of lactic acid, and significantly improved the fermentation quality. In conclusion, L. plantarum affected the bacterial community of C and improved the silage quality of K, C, and B to a certain extent.

Evaluation of cassava foliage as a protein supplement for sheep

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the potential of cassava (Manihot esculenta) foliage (leaves and petioles) as a protein supplement for sheep. In the first trial, nylon bag degradability of cassava foliage was studied. Proximate analysis of cassava foliage was conducted before and after the incubation. Rumen Ammonia Concentration (RAC) and pH were determined at 0, 4 and 8 hours after feeding cassava foliage diet (30%). Proximate composition of sundried cassava foliage was (%) DM 91.25, CP 18.55, NDF, 31.41, ADF, 29.2, EE, 6.6, Ash, 12.95. Nylon-bag dry matter disappearance (DMD) increased significantly (P<0.05) from 15.75% to 75.5% RAC values increased significantly from 8.20mg NH3/100ml at zero hour to 11.41mg NH3/100ml at 8 hours post feeding. Rumen fluid pH was not significantly changed by the 30% cassava foliage diet. In the second trial lasting 56 days, twenty-eight Yankasa/ WAD yearling rams of initial average weight of 18kg were balanced for weight and randomly allotted to seven treatments. All rams except those on control diet were fed cassava foliage or groundnut haulms or both at 1.0% or 1.5% of body weight (BW) as supplements to a basal diet of Gamba hay. Feeding Gamba hay alone (control) resulted in weight loss (-30.5g/day) but with cassava foliage or groundnut haulms supplementation at 1.0% BW, significantly higher gains of 39.2 and 44.6g/day were achieved respectively. At 1.5%BW level of supplementation with cassava foliage or groundnut haulms higher weight gains of 41.2 and 51.7g/day were achieved while feeding the (50.50) combined supplements at 1.0 and 1.50% BW resulted in live weight gains of 65.1 and 69.3g/day respectively. The third trial consisted of a four week grazing trial followed by a metabolic study. Twenty-one Yankasa/WAD yearling rams were randomly allotted to seven treatments and were balanced for live weight. All rams were allowed to graze standing digitaria hay as basal diet, except the rams on control diet. Those on treatment were fed cassava foliage or groundnut haulms or a (50:50) combination of both at 0.5% and 1.0% (BW). The metabolic study consisted of a seven day adjustment period and a seven day total collection period. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the live weight gains of rams on the control diet compared with those supplemented except for those supplemented with cassava foliage and groundnut haulms combined at 1% level where the weight gain was significantly higher (P<0.05). Feed intake was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by feeding either supplement. Supplementing digitaria hay with cassava foliage at both 0.5% and 1.0% BW did not significantly increase the nitrogen retention values, but groundnut haulms supplemented at 1.0% BW significantly (P<0.05) increased the nitrogen retention values.

Chemical composition of Manihot esculentum crantz (var. umucass 36)

Cassava (Manihot esculentum) is one of the most drought tolerant crops, adapted to varying agro-ecological zones and has a high potential for livestock and poultry production in Nigeria. Thus, proximate, macro and micro minerals, anti-nutrients, gross energy and amino acid profile of cassava (Manihot esculentum crantz var. UMUCASS 36) were carried out jusing freshly harvested cassava. The cassava root was washed, peeled and chopped into small pieces. This was oven dried and milled to form cassava root meal (CRM). The harvested leaf and petiole was chopped, oven dried and milled as cassava foliage meal (CFM). The tender, green apical part of the stem was equally harvested, chopped, oven dried and milled as cassava tender stem meal (CTSM) while the cassava composite meal(CCM) was a mixture of the root meal, foliage meal and the tender stem meal at the ratio of 10:4:1 respectively. The proximate, gross energy, macro (Na, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) minerals, anti nutritional factors (hydrocyanic acid, tannin and trypsin inhibitor) and the amino acids were determined in line with the internationally accepted standard. There were significant (P<0.05) differences among various parts of the UMUCASS 36 cassava for all the parameters considered. The crude protein was least in cassava root meal (2.29%) and best in cassava foliage meal (21.79%). CCM had the highest (P<0.05) gross energy of 3.77kcal/g. CFM had the best contents of sodium (0.27%), potassium (0.88%) and phosphorous (0.38%).CRM had the highest value of calcium (0.29%), CTSM (potassium, 0.88%) and CCM (magnesium, 0.34%). In micro mineral contents, significant(P<0.05) differences existed across the parts examined. CFM was superior in both iron and zinc contents while CTSM had best values of copper and manganese. Hydrocyanic acid value ranged from 1.26mg/kg in CFM to 6.57mg/kg in CCM while trypsin inhibitor had highest value of 9.62TIU/mg in CRM and CFM had tannin value to be 0.086% being the highest. All the anti-nutritional factors measured were at tolerable levels to broiler chicken. Percentages of amino acids like arginine, cysteine, histidine, phenylalanine and valine in leaf meal were high with these values 6.46, 3.09, 1.34, 3.14, and 8.27% respectively. The nutritive contents of UMUCASS 36 revealed that the root meal with gross energy of 3.66Kcal/g is a potential energy source and therefore can be used as an energy source in poultry ration. The high content of crude protein and its attendant amino acids in the UMUCASS 36 foliage meal placed it at a better level for consideration as replacement for the expensive soybean.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria, molasses, and their combination on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of cassava foliage silage.

This study investigated the effects of LAB inoculants (L) and molasses (M) on the microbial community and fermentation quality of cassava foliage (CF). The small segments (about 2-3 cm) CF were ensiled in plastic bags and incubated at normal temperature (25°C). Four treatments were carried out as follows: control (no additives, CK), LAB inoculants (Lactobacillus plantarum, L), molasses (M), and LAB in combination with molasses (LM). The LAB and molasses obviously altered the bacterial community structure of the CF silage and enhanced the fermentation quality. The combination addition could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus and reduce the Pseudomonas. The LAB and molasses also significantly elevated the lactic acid concentration (P < 0.001) and decreased the pH (P < 0.001), as well as the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia-N (P < 0.05). In addition, the combination treatment displayed more effective results on silage fermentation. The LAB and molasses improved the fermentation quality of the CF silage by altering the bacterial community structure. Furthermore, the bacterial community was significantly correlated with fermentation indexes.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed with cassava foliage hay and spineless cactus.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total or partial replacement of Tifton 85 hay (TH) by cassava foliage hay (CH) and/or spineless cactus (SC) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty-five Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an initial average weight of 16.0±1.9kg, fed with five treatment diets: 70% TH, 70% CH, 35% TH+35% CH, 35% TH+35% SC, and 35% CH+35% SC. After 90days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass and meat data were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The partial replacement of TH by SC increased the cold carcass weight by 3.9kg (p<.05). The proportion of fat (%) increased (p<.05) when TH was replaced by CH+SC. The intensity of red (a*) was lower (p<.05) in the meat of animals fed with CH or CH+SC. It is recommended to partially replace TH with SC, or to replace totally with CH in association with SC.

Impacts of Citric Acid and Malic Acid on Fermentation Quality and Bacterial Community of Cassava Foliage Silage.

The microbiota and fermentation quality of cassava foliage (CF) ensiled in the absence of additive (CK), or the presence of citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), and their combination with a Lactobacillus plantarum strain (CAL and MAL)were investigated. These additives reduced (P < 0.05) the pH, butyric acid, and ammonia-N contents but increased (P < 0.05) the lactic acid content, and CAL and MAL showed similar remarkable effects. Paenibacillus (mean, 27.81%) and Bacillus (mean, 16.04%) were the predominant strains in CF silage. The addition of CA or MAL increased the abundance of Paenibacillus (25.81–52.28% and 47.97%, respectively), and the addition of MA increased the abundance of Bacillus (15.76–32.48%) compared with the CK group. Moreover, CAL and MAL increased the abundances of the potentially desirable bacteria Cellulosimicrobium (CAL 0–12.73%), Hyphomicrobium (0–7.90% and 8.94%), and Oceanobacillus (0–8.37% and 3.08%) compared with the CK group. These findings suggested that CA and MA could enhance the silage quality of CF, and their combinations with Lactobacillus plantarum were more effective.

Nutrient intake of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed cassava peels supplemented with nitrogen sources

A feeding trial was carried out for 60 days with 40 growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks aged 5 - 7 months with an initial weight of 5.25 kg±0.35 to determine their nutrient intake. The goats were randomly allocated to five treatments, each treatment had eight replicates. Five diets were compounded CPU (100% urea treated cassava peel). CPF (60% untreated cassava peel, 40% cassava foliage), CPM (60% untreated cassava peel, 40% poultry manure), CPUF (60% untreated cassava peel, 20% cassava foliage and 20% treated cassava peel).CPFM (60% untreated cassava peel, 20% cassava foliage, 20% poultry manure). Result obtained indicated that nutrient intake significantly (P<0.05) varied among the dietary treatments. CPU had significant (P<0.05) higher dry matter intake, organic matter intake, crude fibre intake and nitrogen free extract intake than other treatments while CPF had significantly (P<0.05) better crude protein intake than other treatments. Acid detergent fibre intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in CPM (163.g/d) while NDF had significant higher value in CPFM (198.96g/day). Hemicellulose intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher (93.02g/day) in CPM than other treatments. The study revealed that supplementing the diets of grazing West African Dwarf goats with nitrogen sources such as urea, cassava foliage, poultry manure can boost the intake of the animals which thereby leads to better productive performance of the animals.

Effect of Different Fertilization Rates on Cyanogen and Foliage and Tuber Yields of Cassava

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different fertilization rates on the cyanogen and yields of cassava foliage and tuber. Nine fertilization rates, three nitrogen and potassium levels (N: 0, 50, 100 kg/ha and K: 0, 100, 250 kg/ha, respectively) with constant phosphorus level (P: 50 kg/ha) (F-0:N0-P50-K0, F-1:N0-P50-K100, F-2:N0-P50-K250, F-3:N50-P50-K0, F-4:N50-P50-K100, F-5:N50-P50-K250, F-6:N100-P50-K0, F-7:N100-P50-K100, F-8:N100-P50-K250), were applied in the randomized completely block design. After one year experiment, cassava foliage and tuber were harvested, and determined the yields and cyanogen (HCNp) content. The lowest (P &lt; 0.05) HCNp contents and the highest (P &lt; 0.05) foliage, tuber and protein yields were observed in cassava applied with F-4 (N50-P50-K100) and F-5 (N50-P50-K250) in compare with other fertilization rates. Regarding growth characteristics, the plant height (P &lt; 0.05) was also highest in cassava fertilized by F-4 (N50-P50-K100) and F-5 (N50-P50-K250), whereas the leaf numbers per plant and branches number per plant were highest in cassava applied with F-5 (N50-P50-K250) and F-7 (N100-P50-K100), respectively. It could be recommended that the nitrogen (N: 50 kg/ha) and potassium (K: 100-250 kg/ha) should be used to reduce cyanogen contents for safe utilization and increased cassava foliage and tuber yields.

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Parameters of Maize Stover (Zea Mays) Fractions and Cassava (Manihort Esculanta) Foliage for Sustainable Ruminant Production

Chemical composition and nutritive parameters of maize stover (Zea mays) fractions and cassava (Manihort esculanta) foliage for sustainable ruminant production was studied. Cassava foliage and fractions of maize stover (stem and leaf) were gathered and oven dried for proximate composition, fibre fractions and nutritive parameters (Dry matter intake (DMI), Digestible dry matter (DDM) and Relative feed value (RFV) were calculated. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). Results shows a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the all the parameters considered for the proximate composition across the experimental treatments. The contents ranged from 85.21 – 88.77% for dry matter (DM), 6.27 – 19.72%, 1.89 – 3.78%, 14.89 – 17.08%, 51.88 – 62.47%, 3.27 – 11.23% and 36.90 – 56.70% for crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ash and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFE), respectively. Cassava foliage had highest (P&lt;0.05) contents of fibre fractions considered. The acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HEM) were 59.18%, 18.36%, 26.50% and 27.10%, respectively for CSL. There was a significant different (P&lt;0.05) in the phytochemical contents across the experimental materials. Similar (P&gt;0.05) value was recorded for DMI, DDM and RFV. Conclusively, the experimental treatments exhibited nutritional qualities that made them a feed resources for ruminant production. Cassava foliage had better proximate composition and fibre fractions, therefore it is recommended for the farmers.

Performance of West African dwarf goats fed cassava peels treated with nitrogen sources

A feeding trial was carried out for 60 days with 40 growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks aged 5 - 7 months with an initial weight of 5.25 kg±0.35 to determine their performance characteristics. The goats were randomly allocated to five treatments, each treatment had eight replicates. The experimental diets were compounded such that Diet T1 had 100% urea treated cassava peel. T2 60% untreated cassava peel, 40% cassava foliage. T3 60% untreated cassava peel, 40% poultry manure, T4 60% untreated cassava peel, 20% cassava foliage and 20% treated cassava peel. T5 60% untreated cassava peel, 20% cassava foliage, 20% poultry manure. The average live weight gain was significant (P< 0.05) across the treatment groups with T1 having higher value. Average daily weight gain ranged between 19.59 and 20.30(g/d) with T1 showing significantly (P< 0.05) higher value than other treatment groups. Feed conversion ratio was also best with Diet T1. It can be concluded that urea treated cassava peels enhanced better performance of growing WAD goats in the tropics especially in dry season when there is decline of natural herbage.

Effects of cassava foliage on feed digestion, meat quality, and antioxidative status of geese

As the by-product of cassava, cassava foliage (CF) has been widely used in livestock feed. However, little information is available on its utilization for geese. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of CF on the feed digestion, meat quality, and antioxidative status of geese. A total of 108 male Hainan indigenous geese (28-days-old) with similar body weight were randomly and evenly divided into 3 groups, and the geese were fed for 42 D on either the control diet (CON) consisting of ground maize, soybean meal, and wheat bran, or the experimental diet composed of ground maize, soybean meal, and wheat bran supplemented with 5% (CF1) or 10% (CF2) CF. Dietary nutrient digestibility, physicochemical properties, amino acid and fatty acid composition of meat, and antioxidative status of geese were evaluated. The results showed that supplementation of CF in goose diets enhanced the feed digestion and affected the meat quality. In addition, supplementation of CF had beneficial effects on the regulation of amino acid and fatty acid profiles in muscle tissues. Moreover, such supplementation had no significant effect on antioxidative status. Taken together, goose diet containing 5% CF was recommended based on feed efficiency and meat quality.

Aptitud forrajera de hojas de mandioca (Manihot esculenta) y su aporte nutricional a microsilos de caña de azúcar

&lt;p&gt;El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la aptitud forrajera de hojas de diferentes cultivares de mandioca y el aporte nutricional a microsilos de caña de azúcar. Los ensayos se efectuaron en Corrientes, Argentina y consistieron en dos experimentos. El primero indagó la productividad y calidad forrajera de hojas de mandioca, para lo cual se caracterizaron siete cultivares (Amarilla, Palomita, Tapó Joá, Rocha, Clon 60, Clon 30 y EC-9) a través de la medición de las variables: retención foliar, biomasa seca, porcentaje de materia seca (MS), de nitrógeno (N), proteína bruta (PB), fósforo (P) y potasio foliar (K). El cultivar Amarilla se destacó por su producción forrajera, la cual alcanzó 23.160 kg de MS/ha, pero presentó sólo 4,62% de PB. Otros cinco cultivares, presentaron menor productividad foliar pero mayor concentración proteica, superior al 11%. El segundo experimento investigó las características nutricionales de microsilos al evaluar dos tratamientos que consistieron en combinar dos proporciones de follaje de mandioca y caña de azúcar: T1 (30% mandioca + 70% caña) y T2 (15% mandioca + 85% caña). En cada tratamiento se hicieron seis unidades de muestreo, de las cuales tres fueron evaluadas a los 30 días y las restantes a los 60 días de ensilado (dde), determinándose en cada instancia: pH, %MS, N, PB, fibra detergente neutra (FDN) y fibra detergente ácida (FDA). En T1 el pH se estabilizó a los 60 dde y en T2 a los 30 dde. La PB (%) fue significativamente superior en T1 en ambos momentos. Los % de FDA y FDN fueron estables en el tiempo. Las hojas de mandioca demostraron ser un valioso recurso proteico, que puede ensilarse exitosamente para suplementar deficiencias nutricionales de la ganadería del nordeste argentino.&lt;/p&gt;

Silage fermentation and ruminal degradation of cassava foliage prepared with microbial additive

To effectively utilize the tropical cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage (CF) resources, the CF silages were prepared with microbial additives, including Chikuso-1 (CH1, Lactobacillus plantarum), Snow Lact L (SN, L. rhamnosus), Acremonium cellulase (CE), SN + CE and CH1 + CE. Silage fermentation, chemical composition and ruminal degradation were studied in Hainan, China. CF silages prepared with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and CE were well preserved, with a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid, a lower (P < 0.05) pH value, butyric acid content and NH3-N ⁄ total-N compared with the controls. The additive-treated silages showed increased crude protein (CP) content, but decreased (P < 0.05) NDF and ADF contents. Meanwhile, the additive treatment improved relative feed value and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), CP, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. In addition, the combination of LAB and CE resulted in better fermentation quality and ruminal degradability compared with LAB or CE single treatment. The results demonstrated that the CF could be prepared as ruminant feed, and the combination of LAB and CE might exert beneficial synergistic effect on silage fermentation.

Dichanthium hay combined with green cassava foliage or pelleted cassava foliage as fed for Black Belly rams

Intake, digestion and nitrogen retention were measured in fifteen 1-year-old Black Belly rams that had an average weight of 35.3 (± 1.59)kg and that consumed mixed diets. Diets consisted of old Dichanthium spp. hay distributed ad libitum, combined with 500g (dry matter basis) of green or pelleted cassava foliage. Alfalfa pellets were used as a control for foliage supplement. The experiment was run in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Total dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.05) with the green foliage cassava diet compared with the alfalfa pellet diet. Differences were not significant (P < 0.12) with the green cassava foliage diet compared with the cassava foliage pellet diet. Total tract digestion of organic matter, crude protein and cell wall components in cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets were significantly lower than in the alfalfa diet. Crude protein total tract digestion was similar for cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets, while fibre digestion was lower with cassava green foliage diets. Retained nitrogen was significantly higher with the alfalfa diet compared with cassava diets-between which there were no differences. Urinary nitrogen excretion was similar between all diets. In conclusion, pelleting does not decrease the feed value of cassava foliage, but this value is nevertheless lower than the feed value of alfalfa.

Effect of cassava foliage on the performance, carcass characteristics and gastrointestinal tract development of geese

Cassava foliage is a by-product of cassava and has been widely used in animal feed. However, little information is available on its utilization for geese. In this study, we investigated the effects of cassava foliage on the performance, carcass characteristics, and gastrointestinal tract development of geese. A total of 108 28-day-old Hainan indigenous male geese with similar body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 pens of 6 geese per group and fed for 42 D on either the control diet of ground maize, soybean meal, and wheat bran or the experimental diet of ground maize, soybean meal, and wheat bran supplemented with 5% or 10% cassava foliage, respectively. On day 70, their body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, and gastrointestinal tract development were compared. The results showed that cassava foliage diet significantly improved goose's BW (P < 0.05), ADG (P < 0.05), and ADFI (P < 0.05), affected carcass characteristics such as relative meat content (P < 0.05) and abdominal fat content (P < 0.05), and facilitated goose's gastrointestinal tract development. These findings suggested that incorporating cassava foliage into the diet of geese (day 28-70) could have positive effects, and supplementing 5% cassava foliage was more beneficial than 10%.