Vol. 10, Issue 7, Part D (2025)

Author(s): Mangala A Dahane, Bhavana R Wankhade, AB Motghare and VM Ilorkar

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient digestibility of silage prepared from sorghum and bamboo leaves in crossbred heifers. Twenty seven crossbred heifers were allotted into three dietary treatment groups: T? (100% sorghum silage), T? (50% sorghum + 50% bamboo leaves silage), and T? (100% bamboo leaves silage). The digestibility trial was conducted over seven days following a 90-day feeding period. Results revealed that T? had significantly higher digestibility coefficients for dry matter (70.47%), crude protein (83.08%), crude fiber (57.35%), ether extract (72.81%), and nitrogen-free extract (70.03%) compared to other treatments. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) values were also highest in T? at 63.41% and 8.98%, respectively. These findings suggest that a mixed silage of sorghum and bamboo leaves can serve as a balanced and efficient feed for crossbred heifers.