Author: Jade    Chin

Major: Animal and Veterinary Sciences & Biology

Graduation Year: 2022

Thesis Advisor: Sue Ishaq

Description of Publication: Leaf silage has been historically used as ruminant feed, with multiple positive attributes such as being a secure, preserved feed source that is relatively accessible. However, the digestibility, nutritive value, and potential anti-nutritive factors are not well researched or known. The goal of this review is to examine recent literature on leaf silage and its potential advantages and practical limits of being utilized as livestock feed. The scope of this study was limited to willow (Salix spp.), acacia (Acacia spp.), mulberry (Morus alba and Broussonetia papyrifera), and drumstick leaf silage (Moringa oleifera), due to the relatively scarce amount of research available on the use of tree leaf silage in livestock. Each leaf species offers silage of different nutritive value, and the addition of inoculants can significantly change the quality of a leaf silage. More research is needed to fully understand the use of leaf silage in livestock nutrition, especially when comparing different leaf species and their value as silages.

Location of Publication:

URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/719