This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage practices, sowing methods and additives on the physical, microbial and chemical composition of silages produced from Stylosanthes species oversown into natural pasture dominated by Panicum maximum. The factors in this study A 2 x 2 x 2 x 4 factorial arrangement which included two herbaceous legumes (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Cook and Stylosanthes hamata cv.Verano), two tillage methods (zero and minimum tillage) and two sowing methods(broadcasting and drilling). Forage samples were harvested after nine (9) months of growth, chopped and wilted. The chopped forages was used for the statistical analysis were divided into four parts and ensiled in laboratory bottles (960 ml) silos with three additives (molasses, salt and molasses-salt) and a control. Silages were analyzed for microbial contents and chemical composition.The results showed that all silages made with molasses-salt additive had the best physical parameter scores. Silage made from a plot oversown with Stylosanthes hamata had higher (P>0.05) level of lactic acid bacteria. Silage made from forages harvested from minimally tilled soil recorded higher (P>0.05) crude protein content.The pH values of the silage irrespective of the factors were within the range for good quality silage. Silages made from a plot oversown with Stylosanthes hamata had higher (P>0.05) CP content than silage made from a plot oversown with S. guianensis. It can be concluded that silage that was made from natural grassland oversown with S. hamata with minimal tillage and molasses-salt as additive will provide a high quality feed resource for ruminants especially during the dry season when feed are scarce.
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