The Effect of the Tithonia diversifolia and Panicum maximum Ratio on Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition, and In Vitro Digestibility of Silage

Abstract

The unstable availability of forage throughout the year is a constraint in providing ruminant feed, especially during the dry season. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different mixture ratios of Tithonia diversifolia and Panicum maximum on fermentation quality, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility of silage. The study used a Completely Randomized Design with five treatment ratios: 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 (Tithonia: Panicum), each replicated three times. Observed parameters included fermentation quality (pH, ammonia (NH₃) concentration, and lactic acid bacteria population), chemical composition (dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and ether extract), and in vitro digestibility evaluation (dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and ether extract). A Pearson correlation analysis was also conducted to determine the relationship between chemical composition and silage digestibility. Results showed that the forage mixture ratio significantly affected most observed parameters. Mixtures with a Tithonia ratio of 50% to 75% produced silage with a low pH, high protein content, and more digestible fiber. The positive relationship between nutrient content and digestibility indicates higher fermentation efficiency with a balanced composition. These findings suggest that using Tithonia as a forage mixture could potentially increase the nutritional efficiency of silage and serve as an alternative forage preservation strategy in tropical regions