Author : Sunarso

Summary : Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritive values of ensiled setaria and growth performance of sheep fed ensiled setaria-based diet as influenced by type of silo (plastic, drum, and concrete silos) and level of added molasses (0, 2, 4, and 6 percent, weight/weight basis). With the addition of up to 6 percent molasses, good quality ensiled setaria was produced in plastic bag silo. Ensiled setaria had lower crude protein and oxalate content, and higher fiber content (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose) compared to fresh setaria grass. Average daily dry matter intake (1.8-2.4 percent of body weight) of sheep fed with ensiled setaria was lower than the required level which may be due to the problem of palatability. In terms of digestibility and intake studies, the addition of 2 percent molasses resulted in the highest dry matter intake and dry matter digestibility of the experimental sheep. However, supplementation with concentrate increased this average total dry matter intake of the experimental sheep. Increasing level of added molasses was associated with slight increase in blood calcium and phosphorus concentration, blood hematocrit and hemoglabin in the experimental sheep. Despite a high total oxalate intake by animals ill effects were not observed. Adding 2 percent molasses was sufficient to ensure a good quality silage. Feeding ensiled setaria did not significantly influence the growth performance of sheep in terms of daily dry matter intake, daily gain, feed conversion ratio, live body weight, and carcass weight, compared to that of feeding napier grass and setaria grass. Ensiling setaria (in plastic bag silo) with 2 percent molasses can be recommended, particularly for the smallholder farmer to conserve or to extend the feed supply. Year round forage supply for sheep production is likewise improved.