Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences

This study evaluated the proximate composition, friability, total culturable microbial counts, and short-term cattle acceptability of Gliricidia sepium leaf pellets containing graded levels of cassava peel. Five formulations were prepared with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% cassava peel, while molasses (2%) and salt (1%) remained constant. Proximate composition was determined using standard analytical procedures, pellet friability was assessed by tumbling, and total culturable bacterial and fungal counts were determined using pour plating. Short-term preference was evaluated using seven Sokoto Gudali cattle in a cafeteria feeding assessment following 10 days of adaptation, with intake recorded during 30-minute daily presentations over four days. Crude protein decreased from 25.38% in T1 to 19.73% in T5, while crude fibre declined from 14.94% to 11.14%. Nitrogen-free extract increased from 35.97% to 46.50%, although intermediate values were not consistently progressive. Treatment differences were significant (P < 0.05) for dry matter, moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, and nitrogen-free extract, but not for crude fat or ash. Pellet friability ranged from 0.51% to 0.73%, with no significant differences among treatments (P > 0.05). Total culturable bacterial counts ranged from 1.49 × 10³ to 5.28 × 10³ CFU/g, while fungal counts ranged from zero to 1.67 × 10¹ CFU/g. Mean short-term intake was highest for T5 (40% cassava peel; 3.80 kg) and lowest for T1 (0% cassava peel; 0.30 kg). T5 also recorded the highest coefficient of preference (2.89) and percentage preference (55.00%). These findings indicate that cassava peel can be incorporated into Gliricidia sepium leaf pellets at inclusion levels of up to 40%, with no significant differences in friability among formulations under the test conditions. The 40% cassava-peel formulation recorded the highest short-term cattle intake and preference, although further studies are required to establish its long-term acceptability, nutritional adequacy, and feeding safety. The formulation may have potential as an alternative feed resource for cattle, particularly during periods of limited forage availability.