Effects of additives and ensiling period on groundnut shell silage and in sacco rumen degradability characteristics

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of additives and ensiling periods on the chemical composition and in sacco rumen degradability of groundnut shell (GNS). In phase one, a 3 × 5 factorial CRD was used with three ensiling periods (3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks) and five additives (control, urea, yeast, molasses, and NaOH). In phase two, in sacco degradability was determined using a 3 × 3 switch-over design. Chemical composition was analyzed following AOAC procedures, and data were subjected to ANOVA. pH decreased with longer ensiling periods, reaching desirable levels (3.8–5.0). Additives, period, and their interactions significantly (p<0.05) influenced proximate constituents and fibre fractions but not dry matter (DM) degradability. Urea and yeast increased crude protein (8.97% and 7.15%, respectively), while dry matter (DM) and crude fibre decreased after ensiling with additives. Crude protein rose and crude fibre declined with longer ensiling. The highest crude protein (9.58%) was from urea-treated GNS at 7 weeks. After 48 hours of incubation, DM disappearance peaked at 7 weeks for all additives, with urea and yeast yielding the highest potential degradability (100%). It is concluded that urea- or yeast-treated GNS ensiled for 7 weeks improves nutrient quality and degradability, presenting a practical feed option for farm animals.