Assessment of Silage Quality and Acceptability of Spondias mombin by West African Dwarf Goats

Abstract

Scarce forages and low digestibility are major challenges of dry season feeding for
ruminants in the tropics. This can be overcome by excess forage conservation in
times of abundance by ensiling with cheap and locally available materials
containing high fermentable carbohydrates as additives. A study was conducted to
investigate the potentials of Spondias mombin as a silage material. Leaves of
Spondias mombin were ensiled with its fruits at varying inclusion levels: 0%
(control, T1); 10% (T2); 20% (T3) and 30% (T4). After 30 days of ensiling, its quality
and chemical composition were assessed and the products were fed to West African
dwarf (WAD) goats in a cafeteria experiment, to determine its acceptability. The
appearance, odour and texture of the silage had acceptable physical attributes with
pH values ranging from 4.7 – 5.8. Crude protein was similar (P>0.05) in the S
Spondias mombin silages ensiled with fruits while ether extract values were
significantly (P< 0.05) improved. Protein values ranged from 12.25 g/100g DM
(Treatment 1) to 14.00 g/100g DM (Treatment 4). Anti-nutritional content of the
ensiled S. mombin ranged between 3.78 – 6.75 mg/100g, 2.32 -4.09 mg/100g, 37.00 –
69.23 mg/100g and 0.26 – 3.06 g/100g for tannin, total phenols, phytate and
flavonoids respectively. Tannin, total phenols and flavonoids of the silage diets
increased with increasing levels of Spondias mombin fruits in the silage. Acetic and
butyric acid contents (mg/100g) increased significantly (P<0.05) across the
treatments, while lactic acid (mg/100g) increased with increasing level of fruit
additive. Acceptability of silage improved with increasing Spondias mombin fruit
inclusion, with the control diet rejected by goats. It was concluded that Spondias
mombin leaves ensiled with its fruits, produced quality and palatable diets for WAD
goats without any deleterious effect.