QUALITY OF SILAGE MADE FROM A COMBINATION OF CORN STRAW AND PEANUT STRAW AND ITS EFFECTS ON BALI CATTLE PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This experiment aimed to study the nutrient quality of the silage made from a combination of corn straw and peanut straw and the silage effects on the feed consumption, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of bali cattle. Twelve heads of bali cattle were randomly assigned to the experimental diets according to the completely randomized design, consisted of four treatments and three blocks giving a total number of the experimental unit of 12. The treatments were R0 = Corn straw silage, R1 = Silage consisted of 60% corn straw + 40% peanut straw), R2 = Silage consisted of 50% corn straw + 50% peanut straw, and R3 = Silage consisted of 40% corn straw + 60% peanut straw. In addition to the experimental diets, each animal was given 2 kg concentrate/d. The silage was provided ad libitum and drinking water was freely available. The results of the study indicated that chemical and physical characteristics of the silages were not different. The silage pH ranged between 3.2 -4.2 and it was considered as optimum pH. Other characteristics such as odor, color, compare, and the existence of fungi were found similar. In terms of bali cattle performance, the cattle fed on ration R2 had a better performance (feed consumption, average daily gain, and feed efficiency) compared to the cattle fed on either R0, R1, and R3. In conclusion, silage made with a combination of 50% corn straw and 50% peanut straw was the best combination compared to other treatment combination.