Effects of ensiling tropical grass-Leucaena mixtures on chemical composition and group dry-matter intake by Barbados Black Belly ewes

This study evaluated the effects of ensiling on the chemical composition of tropical grasses and grass-Leucaena mixtures and assessed group dry-matter intake by growing Barbados Black Belly ewes. Tanner, Mulato, and Elephant grasses were ensiled alone or mixed with Leucaena at grass-to-Leucaena ratios of 50:50, 75:25, and 25:75. Thirty-six replicated pits were used for the grass-only and mixed treatments, and the silages were recovered after 55 days. Dry matter, moisture, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, crude fibre, and nitrogen-free extractives were determined using AOAC procedures. Ensiling significantly altered several chemical constituents (P < 0.05). Crude protein declined across the replicated treatments, with post-ensiling values ranging from 47.6 g/kg DM in tanner grass to 114 g/kg DM in Tanner-Leucaena 75:25. Crude fibre generally increased, whereas ether extract and nitrogen-free extractives declined in most treatments. In the feeding evaluation, group dry-matter intake was 4 kg DM/day for Tanner-Leucaena 50:50, Tanner-Leucaena 25:75, and Mulato-Leucaena 50:50, compared with 3 kg DM/day for the other mixtures. Mulato-Leucaena 50:50 combined a comparatively favourable nutrient composition with high observed group intake. Further replicated animal studies are recommended to evaluate digestibility, fermentation quality, and productive responses.