Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part E (2024)

Author(s): S Njuguna, JO Ondiek, F Kemboi and JO Anyango

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of the main dairy cattle feed resources through proximate and in-vitro digestibility analyses. The feeds were grouped into 25 diets using a completely randomized design. The chemical analysis was done to determine the nutrient composition. The in-vitro organic matter digestibility was determined using the gas production method for all experimental diets. Data collected on proximate analysis, was subjected to the analysis of variance in a completely randomized design using the General linear model procedure of Statistical Analysis System version 9.4. From the results, roughages displayed a diverse range of dry matter content, varying from 904.1 g/kg DM to 936.1 g/kg DM. Super Napier was highest in crude protein content at 149.3 g/kg DM, and neutral detergent fiber content at 733.3 g/kg DM, and maize silage had the lowest at 56.1 g/kg DM. The groundnut residue had the highest crude protein content at 114.6 g/kg DM among the crop residues, while sugarcane tops had the lowest crude protein content at 27 g/kg DM. At 24 and 48 hours of fermentation, the rate of gas production was highest in fodder crops and trees, particularly Lucerne, at 12.7%, and 10% while crop residues such as sugarcane tops had the lowest at 1.60%. This study concludes that fodder trees and legumes have better nutritional profiles, while crop residues are of low quality.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i3e.1436