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Matching Livestock Systems with Available Resources |
MEKARN Regional Conference 2007 |
A preliminary study was carried out to evaluate fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of ensiled pineapple residue and to find out the best way of processing pineapple residues. There were four treatments and 4 replications. Fresh pineapple residue was ensiled with or without 20% poultry litter, or with rice polishing or with maize cobs. Samples of freshly processed pineapple waste were taken on the day of ensiling and after 7,14, 21, 30, 60 days to determine nutritive value.
After 60 days of ensiling the quality of all silages was acceptable in terms of odour and appearance, and pH was 3.04 – 3.47. Lactic acid concentration reached 2.78- 3.08 % in dry matter after 60 days compared with 0,44 - 0,55% in dry matter before ensiling. There were significant changes in crude protein concentrations with time of ensiling between treatments with the highest value in pineapple residue ensiled with 20% poultry litter treatment (13.9% in DM).
It is concluded that ensiling is an acceptable and simple method to process and preserve pineapple residue and to reduce environmental pollution at the lowest cost