Silage characteristics, nutrient profiles and in vitro digestibility of differently ensiled theobroma cacao bean shell meals

Abstract

Silage technology is one of the major strategies for nutritionally improving and preserving feedstuff during seasonal shortages for ruminant animals. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the silage characteristics, nutrient profiles and in vitro digestibility of raw, poultry manure- and urea- ensiled cocoa bean shell meal. The known quantities of raw cocoa bean shell were mixed with poultry manure at 1:1 (w/w) while 5% urea solution was mixed with cocoa bean shell meal at 1:1 (v/w) and were ensiled for seven days under anaerobic condition. Data generated were subjected to appropriate statistical tools. The physicochemical properties of the silage produced revealed that it could be acceptable/palatable to the ruminants, if fed. Nutrient compositions was best improved in poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell. Mineral compositions were significantly improved by the treatments while anti-nutrients decomposed and reduced significantly. Alkaloid, oxalate and theobromine content were lower in the PCBSM while the UCBSM was lower in phytate. In vitro digestibility study showed that the feed materials are degradable and would nutrients could be absorbed and utilized by the animals, if fed. The organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) values confirmed the nutritional potentials of PCBSM as best feed materials over all. Methane production were minimal, would not lead to bloat in animals and thus, eco-friendly. Summarily, poultry manure ensiled cocoa bean shell meal could be a suitable alternative feed material in ruminant production and is thus, recommended.