Research Article
Reproductive Performance of Laying Hens Fed Processed Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Diets: Influence of Processing Method and Inclusion Level During Early Lay
Abdulmumin Alhassan Hassan*
,
Grace Takpejewho Iyeghe-Erakpotobor,
Mohammed Abdulrashid,
Alhassan Musa Hassan,
Abba Ibrahim Bukar,
Oluremi Martha Daudu,
Fauziyya Mahmoud Tahir,
Ibrahim Adamu Usman
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
65-71
Received:
17 April 2026
Accepted:
7 May 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
Abstract: This study evaluated the processing methods and inclusion levels of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) on the reproductive performance of laying hens during early laying phase (19–52 weeks). A total of 160 Shika Brown layers were assigned to seven dietary treatments in a 2×3+1 factorial arrangement consisting two processing methods (raw sundried and boiled sundried), three inclusion levels (25%, 50% and 75%) and a control (0%) in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured included age at first egg, body weight at first lay, first egg weight, egg mass, egg production rate, mortality and survivability. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and means separated at P<0.05. Result revealed significant interaction effects were observed for most reproductive parameters. Birds fed 50% boiled cocoyam had the highest body weight at first lay (1.65 kg), egg mass (285.65 g) and egg production (5.45 eggs/day), with lowest mortality (0.005%). In contrast, higher raw inclusion delayed sexual maturity and reduced egg production performance. The improved performance observed in boiled cocoyam diets is attributed to the reduction of antinutritional factors and enhanced nutrient utilization, which supports optimal endocrine function and ovarian activity. It can be concluded that inclusion of boiled cocoyam at 50% optimized reproductive performance of laying hens during early lay and can serve as viable alternative energy source in poultry diets.
Abstract: This study evaluated the processing methods and inclusion levels of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) on the reproductive performance of laying hens during early laying phase (19–52 weeks). A total of 160 Shika Brown layers were assigned to seven dietary treatments in a 2×3+1 factorial arrangement consisting two processing methods (raw sundried an...
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Research Article
Effects of Maize Bran and Molasses Additives on Fermentation Quality, Nutritive Value and Digestibility of Chloris gayana and Tripsacum laxum Silages
Fredrick Thadei Karumuna*,
Andrew Modest Mihambo
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
72-83
Received:
27 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijast.20261003.12
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Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of maize bran and molasses additives on the silage quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Guatemala grass (Tripsacum laxum) as a strategy for improving feed availability during the dry season among smallholder dairy farmers in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Training Agency (LITA), Mpwapwa using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments: grass without additive (control), grass with 10% maize bran, and grass with 3% molasses. The silages were ensiled for 21 days and analyzed for chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, metabolizable energy, pH, and organoleptic characteristics. Results showed that additive treatments significantly (P < 0.05) improved silage quality compared to the control treatment. Maize bran treatment produced the highest crude protein, ether extract, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy values in both forage species, while reducing fibre fractions such as neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Molasses treatment also improved fermentation and nutritive quality, although its effects were generally lower than maize bran. Control treatments recorded higher fibre contents and lower digestibility and energy values, indicating poor fermentation quality. Silage pH was significantly reduced by additive application, with molasses-treated silage recording the lowest pH values, indicating improved lactic acid fermentation and preservation. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that maize bran-treated silage had superior colour, smell, texture, and taste scores compared to the control treatment. Rhodes grass silage generally showed better fermentation quality, digestibility, and nutritive value than Guatemala grass silage across treatments. The study concludes that maize bran and molasses are effective additives for improving tropical grass silage quality, with maize bran showing the greatest overall improvement in nutritional and sensory characteristics. Therefore, the use of maize bran and molasses during ensiling is recommended for smallholder dairy farmers to improve feed conservation and livestock productivity during dry seasons.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of maize bran and molasses additives on the silage quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Guatemala grass (Tripsacum laxum) as a strategy for improving feed availability during the dry season among smallholder dairy farmers in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Training A...
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