Feeding potential of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peels ensiled with Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium assessed with West African dwarf goats

Cassava peels (CaPe) were ensiled in mixtures with Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala , and the utilization of the mixed silages by West African dwarf (WAD) goats was assessed. Five silages were composed, comprising of 100 % ensiled CaPe (control), CaPe + G. sepium 2:1 ( w / w ; 2CGS), CaPe + G. sepium 1:1 ( w / w ; CGS), CaPe + L. leucocephala 2:1 ( w / w ; 2CLL) and CaPe + L. leucocephala 1:1 ( w / w ; CLL). All diets were supplemented with molasses (40 g/kg) before ensiling which lasted 3 months. Fifteen WAD goats (8.01 ± 0.12 kg body weight) were fed one of the experimental diets (50 g/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. The control had the lowest hydrocyanic acid content (0.05 mg/kg DM), while others ranged from 6.2 to 81.3 mg/kg. Condensed tannin concentration ranged from 1.7 to 8.4 mg/kg DM, while mimosine levels were 11.6 and 12.4 mg/kg DM in 2CLL and CLL, respectively. After fermentation, all silages showed low pH (