Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project aimed to evaluate the quality, acceptability, and microbial composition of ensiled breweries spent grains with yam peels. The study utilized a combination of brewing by-products and agricultural waste to develop a sustainable feed option for livestock. The ensiling process was employed to preserve the feed and enhance its nutritional value. Parameters such as pH, moisture content, crude protein, fiber content, and ash content were analyzed to assess the quality of the ensiled feed. Sensory evaluation was also carried out to determine the acceptability of the feed to livestock. Microbial composition analysis was conducted to investigate the changes in microbial populations during the ensiling process. The study aimed to determine the effect of ensiling on the microbial community and its potential impact on feed quality and safety. The results of the study indicated that the ensiled feed had favorable pH levels and moisture content for preservation. The crude protein content was found to be suitable for livestock nutrition, while the fiber content provided beneficial roughage. Sensory evaluation results revealed that the ensiled feed was acceptable to livestock, indicating its potential as a feed option. The microbial composition analysis showed shifts in microbial populations during ensiling, with lactic acid bacteria dominating the community. These findings suggest that the ensiling process effectively preserved the feed and promoted beneficial microbial growth. Overall, the research project demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing breweries spent grains and yam peels for developing an ensiled feed option for livestock. The study highlighted the importance of assessing the quality, acceptability, and microbial composition of ensiled feeds to ensure their nutritional value and safety. The results provide valuable insights into the potential of ensiled feed as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for livestock nutrition. Further research is recommended to explore additional aspects of ensiled feed production and its impact on livestock health and performance.

Project Overview

Great emphasis continue to be placed on research into the use of alternative feedstuff for energy sources for livestock production in Nigeria as one of the major problem of ruminant animal production is forage scarcity especially in the dry season.During the rainy season, forages are relatively available and animals may gain weight easily and remain thrifty. The next six months are always followed by scarcity of forages as a consequence of the dry period resulting in standing hay and low quality feed that eventually culminate in growth retardation of the animal (Babayemi et al., 2003).Apart from forage scarcity, forage quality is also one of the main problems that affect ruminant feeding in the tropics on which a low nitrogen (N) content and high lignifications have an effect (Medina et al., 2003). All this interferes with their digestibility and therefore with the benefits animal can obtain from them.However, feed accounts for 70-80% of the total cost of production in Nigeria (Ogunfowora, 1984). This is as a result of the fact that the conventional energy source that has the lion share is being competed for by man, livestock and industries.To solve the above-mentioned problem, is to search for or identify an alternative energy source such that can meet the nutrient requirement of farm animals less competed for by man and of no industrial usage (Akinmutini, 2004).Yam peel (Dioscorea rutundata) is one of the various farm wastes that have such potentials (Adeyemo and Borrie, 2002). Yam peel is cheaply available in Nigeria (Akinmutimi et al., 2006). White yam peel consists of 11% crude protein with metabolizable energy of 2604Kcal/g (Akanno, 1998). Dioscorea rutundata peels are rich in amino acid (Eka 1985).There are several agro industrial by products that are also useful. One which deserves mention here is Brewer’s spent gain (also called spent grains, Brewer’s gain or Draft). It is a by product of beer brewing consisting of the materials that remains after gains have been fermented. (Daccord, 1996). It consist primarily of grain husks, pericarp, and fragments of endosperm. By mass, spent grains consist of about half carbohydrates, and the rest being mostly protein and lignin.Carbohydrates include traces of starch, cellulose, glucans and arabinoxyland (Beldman et al., 2004). Spent grain is considered to be a good source of degradable proteins and water-soluble vitamins in animal feed they have been used in feeding both ruminant and monogastrics.Silage feeding is an effective and easily adaptable technique despite its limited application in tropical regions (Babayemi, 2009).Therefore, this study was designed to determine the acceptability, quality and microbiology of yam peels ensiled with brewer’s spent grain.