NUTRITIONAL AND MICROBIAL CONTENTS OF VARIED COMBINATION OF ENSILED PANICUM MAXIMUM AND VETIVERIA NIGRITANA GRASS

The microbial and nutritional value of varied combination of ensiled Panicum maximum and Vetiveria nigritana was investigated. The experiment laid out in a completely randomized design which consist of the grasses mixed to make the following treatments: 100% Vetiveria nigritana, 100% Panicum maximum, 75% Panicum maximum + 25% Vetiveria nigritana, 50% Panicum maximum + 50% Vetiveria nigritana and 25% Panicum maximum + 75%Vetiveria nigritana. The grass mixtures were subjected to silage processing for 45 days. Chemical composition, quality, and microbial content proliferation rate of the silage were assessed. The pH range from 4.6-4.17, pleasant smell and firm textures of the silages were observed irrespective of the combination ratios except for pungent smell observed in 100% Vertiveria nigritana grass silage. Crude protein content and pH value for 25% Panicum maximum + 75%Vertiveria nigritana was 8.96% and 4.21 respectively. The mineral contents for 25% Panicum maximum + 75% Vertiveria nigritana was also higher than that of all other combinations. High fungi and coliform counts 2.97x10 5 and 5.6x10 4 respectively were recorded in 50% Panicum maximum + 50% Vetiveria nigritana silage. Results showed statistical differences (P<0.05) in the treatment combinations however it could be better improved if the grasses were better wilted to delay filling.