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Livestock-Based Farming Systems, Renewable Resources and the Environment |
An experiment was conducted to investigate the utilizable potential of groundnut haulm ensilaged with 0.5% salt and three level of maize meal (0%, 3%, and 6%) and its effect on weight gain of crossbred growing bulls (Red Sinhi x local Yellow) in Hiep Hoa District, Bac Giang province.
In laboratory trial, measurements for fermentation characteristics of silage were taken at 30 ; 60 and 90 days of ensiling. Groundnut haulm was high in crude protein and minerals. Groundnut haulm ensiled with 0.5% of salt had a green color and those ensiled with 0.5% of salt plus 3% and 6% corn meal had a light yellow color with a pleasant smell. The pH value of 3 treatments was 4. The lactic acid contents were relatively high (2.45; 2.61 and 2.76%, respectively). However on the top, a part of ensiled groundnut haulm was mildewy. Groundnut haulm ensiled with 0.5% of salt plus 6% corn meal had the best quality.
In the feeding trial, twelve growing bulls (18 – 21 month old) were equally bllocked and allotted in three treatments. After of 90 days of feeding, the average daily gain were 0.49; 0.52 and 0.55 kg/head/day, respectively for groundnut haulm ensilaged with 0%, 3% and 6% corn meal. As a result, best formular to ensilge groundnut haulm were 0.5% of salt plus 6% corn meal due to its highest effect on average daily gain (0.55 kg/head/day) and on profit ( 270.1 thousand VND/head/ month).
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