Effects of ensiling and pelleting on nutrient utilization of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) frond by goats

Effects of ensiling and pelleting of oil palm frond (OPF) on nutrient utilization was examined. Fresh-chopped OFF were ensiled and pelleted. Determination of proximate, cell wall and cell components of fresh-chopped, ensiled and pelleted OFF, their digestibilities and nutrient intakes were determined. Ensiling and pelleting altered DM, OM, CP and CF contents of OFF significantly. but no significant change was found on cell and cell wall components except total carbohydrate (TC). Both the treatments increased potential degradability and the rate of degradation of OFF. Potential degradability (B) of the ensiled and pelleted OFF were higher (P<0.01) than that of fresh-chopped OFF. The highest rate of DM disappearance (c, 0.0344 h(-1)) obtained in ensiled OFF followed by pelleted OFF and fresh-chopped OPF. Fresh-chooped and ensiled OFF produced significant amounts of OFF refusals, but pelleted OFF produced almost no refusals. Nutrient intakeand digestible nutrient intakes were higher (P<0.001) on pelleted OFF based diet. The result suggested that pelleting could be a way to preserve the harvested OPF.