Bio-Fermentation Improved the Nutritional Values of Chromolena odorata Utilization as Bali Cattle Feed Source

Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of bio-fermentation of C/N30 ratio using different soluble rates of carbohydrate sources on in vitro physical quality, nutrition, anti-nutrient, digestibility, NH3 and VFA rumen fluid of Chromolaena odorata silage. Method: A Completely Randomized Design with 3 treatments and 6 replications was used in this study. The treatments were: (CO30_GC): CO with C/N30 of liquid palm sugar + 10 % rumen content; (CO30_PTK): CO with C/N30 of palm pith flour or putak flour (Corypha gebanga) + 10 % rumen content; (CO30_JP): CO with C/N30 of rice straw flour + 10 % rumen content. Providing liquid palm sugar as carbohydrate source increased the physical quality of Chromolaena odorata silage (color, odor, pH texture, presence of fungus) compared with the other treatments. Results: There were an increased (P less than 0.01) in feed composition, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, pH, NH3 concentration, VFA concentration, tannin content, but lower saponin and lower crude fiber compared with the other treatments when rice straw flour was added to the Chromolaena odorata. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that bio-fermentation during 21 days is better when adding rice straw flour as carbohydrate source with a C/N30 ratio to increase the utilization of Chromolaena odorata as animal feed. However, if using other digestible carbohydrates sources then it is better bio-fermentation just before 21 days.