Effects of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) vines inclusion to napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) on the chemical composition and physical properties of silage mixtures

Jusoh, S. and Martini, M. Y. and Safwah Najihah, B. (2023) Effects of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) vines inclusion to napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) on the chemical composition and physical properties of silage mixtures. Malaysian Journal of Animal Science (Malaysia), 26. pp. 15-20. ISSN 2550-2123

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is renowned for its high yield as forage and is primarily cultivated by small-scale farmers to nourish their livestock. When harvested at the recommended age, it can offer premium-quality feed. Conversely, sweet potato vines (SPV) are often treated as agricultural residue due to being underutilized, despite their potential nutritional benefits. This disregard for Sweet Potato vines stems from a lack of interest in further processing them into feed. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and physical attributes of ensiled napier grass mixed with different proportions of Sweet Potato vines for 30 days. The experimental groups included 100% NG, 75% NG:25% SPV, 50% NG:50% SPV, 25% NG:75% SPV, and 100% SPV. The research utilized ordinary Napier grass and Bukit Naga Sweet Potato vines, both harvested at 6 weeks old during the second harvesting cycle. The quality of silage was evaluated through physical characteristics such as colour and pH. All treatments displayed optimal pH levels for quality silage, falling within the range of 3.5 to 4.0. The colour assessment indicated that all treatments had a greenish-brown hue with a discernible structure. Chemical composition analysis was performed using proximate analysis procedures. In conclusion, incorporating SPV elevated OM and CP content, demonstrating the potential benefits of combined ensiling.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://mjas.my/mjas-v2/rf/pages/journal/v26i2/3-2...

Abstract

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is renowned for its high yield as forage and is primarily cultivated by small-scale farmers to nourish their livestock. When harvested at the recommended age, it can offer premium-quality feed. Conversely, sweet potato vines (SPV) are often treated as agricultural residue due to being underutilized, despite their potential nutritional benefits. This disregard for Sweet Potato vines stems from a lack of interest in further processing them into feed. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and physical attributes of ensiled napier grass mixed with different proportions of Sweet Potato vines for 30 days. The experimental groups included 100% NG, 75% NG:25% SPV, 50% NG:50% SPV, 25% NG:75% SPV, and 100% SPV. The research utilized ordinary Napier grass and Bukit Naga Sweet Potato vines, both harvested at 6 weeks old during the second harvesting cycle. The quality of silage was evaluated through physical characteristics such as colour and pH. All treatments displayed optimal pH levels for quality silage, falling within the range of 3.5 to 4.0. The colour assessment indicated that all treatments had a greenish-brown hue with a discernible structure. Chemical composition analysis was performed using proximate analysis procedures. In conclusion, incorporating SPV elevated OM and CP content, demonstrating the potential benefits of combined ensiling.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Pennisetum purpureum
AGROVOC Term:	silage
AGROVOC Term:	silage making
AGROVOC Term:	sweet potatoes
AGROVOC Term:	chemical composition
AGROVOC Term:	chemicophysical properties
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2026 04:01
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2026 04:01
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3197

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