Evaluating mulberry fodder-based silages in various proportions as animal feed

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the physical characteristics (colour, odour, pH, mould growth, dry matter content, and palatability for ruminants) and palatability of various silages made from 25 to 75% mulberry leaves with fodder crops like maize and napier grass (75–25%) in six combinations. All silages had acidic pH ranging from 5.35 to 4.32 with light green to dark green colour and had a sweetish scent odor. Silage with 75% mulberry leaves and 25% maize had the highest palatability (87%), whereas the lowest palatability was observed with sole mulberry silage (45%). The present study indicates that mulberry leaves can be utilized as an excellent substrate for silage making in conjunction with other fodder crops for feeding the ruminant animals.