| dc.description.abstract | The availability of forage as the primary feed source for ruminants is often
limited during the dry season. One potential alternative is the utilization of
cassava (Manihot esculenta) plant residues as silage material. However, cassava
leaves contain toxic compounds, particularly hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which can
be harmful to livestock health if not properly processed. The addition of Local
Microorganism (MOL) bioactivators during the ensiling process is expected to
accelerate fermentation and improve silage quality. This study aimed to evaluate
the effect of various MOL concentrations on the physical quality of cassava plant
residue silage. The research was conducted at the Feed Science and Technology
Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, using a
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications:
P0 (without MOL), P1 (1% MOL), P2 (3% MOL), and P3 (5% MOL). The
observed parameters included color, aroma, texture, and pH. The results showed
that MOL addition had a highly significant effect (P<0.05) on silage aroma and
texture, color. The best results were observed at 5% MOL concentrations, with
higher average physical quality scores than the control. Although pH values did
not differ significantly (P>0.05), they remained within the optimal range (3.5–3.6)
for high-quality silage. In conclusion, the use of MOL is effective in enhancing the
physical quality of cassava plant residue silage and presents a viable solution for
processing agricultural waste into an economical and sustainable alternative feed
for ruminants. | en_US |
