Physical, chemical, and in vitro digestibility of complete feed block silage based on oil palm fronds

Studies on complete feed block silage based on oil palm fronds (OPF) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical qualities, as well as the in vitro digestibility, of complete feed block silage based on OPF for beef cattle. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) involving three feed treatments with five replicates. The treatments included P0 = untreated complete feed based on OPF, P1 = P0 turned into silage, and P2 = P1 dried and formed into blocks. Physical characteristics and nutrient contents were analyzed descriptively. Digestibility data and pH values were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that P2 had a softer texture and higher acidic aroma than P0 and lower than P1. The acidity of P2 was higher than that of P1 and lower than that of P0. The digestibility values for dry and organic matter were similar for all the treatments. In conclusion, drying and block formation in P2 improved the physical characteristics and aroma of silage blocks but did not significantly affect the digestibility of dry and organic matter.