Evaluation of nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility of dairy cattle feed resources in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of the main dairy cattle feed resources through proximate and in-vitro digestibility analyses. The feeds were grouped into 25 diets using a completely randomized design. The chemical analysis was done to determine the nutrient composition. The in-vitro organic matter digestibility was determined using the gas production method for all experimental diets. Data collected on proximate analysis, was subjected to the analysis of variance in a completely randomized design using the General linear model procedure of Statistical Analysis System version 9.4. From the results, roughages displayed a diverse range of dry matter content, varying from 904.1 g/kg DM to 936.1 g/kg DM. Super Napier was highest in crude protein content at 149.3 g/kg DM, and neutral detergent fiber content at 733.3 g/kg DM, and maize silage had the lowest at 56.1 g/kg DM. The groundnut residue had the highest crude protein content at 114.6 g/kg DM among the crop residues, while sugarcane tops had the lowest crude protein content at 27 g/kg DM. At 24 and 48 hours of fermentation, the rate of gas production was highest in fodder crops and trees, particularly Lucerne, at 12.7%, and 10% while crop residues such as sugarcane tops had the lowest at 1.60%. This study concludes that fodder trees and legumes have better nutritional profiles, while crop residues are of low quality.