Additives in the silage of African palm forage residues and their acceptability in sheep

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effects of microbial inoculum (MI), molasses (M), and ground corn (GC) on the fermentative quality, chemical composition, and acceptability of silage made from African palm forage residues (APFR).
Design/methodology/approach: Experimental microsilos (30 days) under a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of 3×3×2: IM (0, 3, 6%), molasses (0, 3, 6%), GC (0, 3%); all with 0.1% urea. Variables: pH, LA, CP, ash, DM, NDF, ADF. Significant interactions were analyzed using SAS SLICE. Acceptability was evaluated in Pelibuey sheep (n=4) through a cafeteria test (grass, fresh APFR, APFR silage)

Results: Treatments with MI ≥3% and molasses at 3% and 6% reduced the pH from 4.9 to 3.7, increasing LA, which indicates stable fermentation. MI at 6% consistently decreased NDF and ADF; molasses increased DM; GC (3%) subtly modulated acidification without affecting quality. The sheep preferred the silage of APFR over pasture and fresh APFR, aligning with higher levels of DM and CP and lower levels of NDF and ADF in the silage
Limitations/Implications: Laboratory-scale microsilos; small acceptability sample (n=4) without productive metrics. MI between 3% and 6% combined with molasses between 3% and 6% improved fermentation, reduced NDF/ADF, and increased acceptability; field validation is recommended with performance parameters, aerobic stability, and cost-benefit.

Findings/conclusions: The additives, particularly MI with molasses and GC, improved the fermentation and palatability of RFPA silage, supporting its viability as an alternative feed for tropical small ruminant systems.