International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 194, a leguminous cover crop will be studied for silage. Brachiaria and rice straw fanning is being done.

12 lactating cows were divided into 4 batches including 3 batches with different silage diets and a control batch on natural pasture. The weight evolution was monitored and bromatological analyses of these forages were performed.

Stylosanthes silage is much richer in nutrients than Zea mays silage, in particular, Gross Protein of about 11.2% against 7.5% Dry Matter (DM) and Fat Matter 19.3% against 3% DM. The DM content of hay ranging from 59.2% to 98.2% is significantly high compared to fresh Brachiaria. The mineral content remained constant. Hay protein (4.5% to 4.0% DM) and fat content (15.9% to 11.9% DM) are low and crude fibre (32.7% to 40.0% DM) is high. Rice straw has a lower nutritional value than Brachiaria hay.

Preserved forages are effective in preventing weight loss.

Refusal is much greater for cows fed Stylosanthes silage, a non-routine feed, but their growth is better compared to other diets mainly supplemented with Brachiaria hay.

In addition, Stylosanthes is an inexpensive source of protein and its fodder helped animals improve their physical condition.