Quality of Silage from Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizaniodes L.) Grass Harvested at Different Re-growth Period
CARLO B. SABALES *
Department of Animal Science, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
JESUS VINCENT RUSTOM B. TUY
Alumnus, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
EMMA G. JARCIA
Department of Animal Science, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
ALBERT R. ACUÑA
College of Agriculture, Sorsogon State University – Castilla Campus, Philippines.
MARICAR B. RUIZ
College of Economics and Management, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
DONABEL E. VALENZUELA
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 5, Philippines.
ERNEST JOHN C. CAPINO
Department of Animal Science, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
MARK ANTHONY D. LIBARDO
Department of Animal Science, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Generally, the study aims to determine the effect of different re-growth period on the silage quality of vetiver grass. Specifically, it aims to determine the dry matter content of Vetiver grass harvested at 30, 45 and 60 days old of regrowth period and compare the physical characteristics in terms of color, aroma, texture, mold coverage, temperature and pH.
Study Design: The study on silage quality was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and replicated three times.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at CBSUA-Department of Animal Science Ruminant Experiment Station.
Methodology: The vetiver grass was collected in the Vetiver Center experimental site, while the silage additives were bought at Pili public market. Following the gathering of the necessary components, the Vetiver grass leaves were chopped into 1 to 2-inch-long pieces using a bolo after wilting for a whole day to guarantee a moisture content of about 65%. After that, it was combined with 6% molasses for every 1000g of vetiver grass and placed in a silo bag to ferment for 21 days.
Conclusion: The results of the study revealed no significant differences on the dry matter content, temperature and pH level and similarly also the physical characteristics such as the color, aroma, texture and growth of mold of vetiver silage.
Keywords: Vetiver, regrowth period, silage quality, dry matter content