Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part A (2022)

This study was undertaken in three experiments. The first experiment conducted to study adaptation and the nutritive value for the three varieties (Brachiaria decumbence cv. Basilisk, B. brizantha cvs. Xaraes, & B. brizantha cvs. Piatã) compared with Rhodes grass (Fine cut) and local Brachiaria, B. botuliform cv. Local, to evaluate DM. CP. CF. NDF.EE. Ash Moreover, Lignin contents. While the other two experiments are conducted for analysis of fresh and silage samples. For the fresh a sample was collected for shed drying in the Animal Nutrition Laboratory for a period of 28 days to establish a complete drying. As well, different sample was collected for fermentation as silage in the animal nutrition laboratory for 28 days, then shed dried, the samples were, then grinded, each well labeled and packed to avoid moisture transfer. The samples were taken to Central Animal Research Station at Kuku for the subsequent chemical analysis of the varieties under investigation. The present result revealed that when comparing the fresh samples and silage samples, there was a significant difference in chemical composition in (DM. CP., CF., EE, Ash and lignin). While there was no significant difference in NDF among the treatments.

On the other hand, B. brizantha cvs. Xaraes, Piatã revealed a higher crude fiber on a fresh basis and medium lignin content among the treatments when made as silage.

The DM showed significant differences in all treatments, local Brachiaria has a higher level of DM, CF, Ash and Lignin contents than other treatments. CP significantly showed a low-level content as silage and a high level of lignin.

This study concluded that local Brachiaria has a high level of CP on a fresh basis followed by Rhodes grass and lower CP as silage. Rhodes grass and Brachiaria Decumbence showed a higher crude protein level and low lignin contents than all other grasses under investigation, being in silage form. Because of high crude protein (11.79%) and lower Lignin content were recommended as the best forage grass followed by Brachiaria basilisk and Brachiaria Xaraes to be used as animal feed silage during the dry season.