ALTERNATIVE LIVESTOCK FEED FROM FERMENTED BANANA PEEL

Abstract

Silage is one of the preservation methods for animal feed during periods of feed shortages
by fermentation method. It has a potential to be an alternative livestock feed resources such
as cattle and goat. The silage prepared from banana peel is suitable since banana is one
of the native plants in Malaysia. This study is aimed to prepare an alternative livestock feed
from banana peel which was obtained around Kuala Pilah area, Negeri Sembilan was
ensiled in two different drums for 21 days. Samples from each drum were taken for analysis
of physical observation (odour and colour), dry matter (DM), and ash contents. Other
parameters such as the temperature, pH value, volatile fatty acid (VFA), and water soluble
carbohydrates (WSC) were also being conducted. Results obtained show the colour of
silage was light green and the odour was mild and sour milk smell. For pH analysis which
was measured after the ensiling process, was obtained at 3.96. The low pH value shows
high-quality fermentation ranged from 3.5 - 4.5. The DM and ash contents were 45.67 %
and 5.21 % respectively as these value were compatible for livestock feed. In conclusion,
ensiling by-product like banana peel has good potential as it simple, low-cost and also
produces a high-quality feed to livestock.