2017 Volume 5 Pages 65-76
Waste from agriculture sector is abundant in tropical countries. Many farmers in these countries have been using this waste as the main feed sources for feeding livestock. However, using these wastes as feeds for ruminant production resulted in lower animal production due to its lower protein and higher indigestible fiber contents. Various methods, including physical, chemical, biological and enzyme treatments, have been investigated to improve these feeds. Among these, biological treatment may be the most practical method for small-holder farmers, due to its lower cost. One benefit of biological treatment is the use of fermented juice of lactic acid bacteria. This treatment can improve the fermentation quality of silage. When applying fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) as silage additive, the lactic acid production and in vitro organic matter digestibility could be enhanced, and fibrous component could be reduced in crop residue silages. Utilization of agricultural by-product as ruminant feed also appears as an environmental problem. Digestion of high content of fiber in the rumen increase methane emission. Methane is now recognized as a contributor of about 40% to climate change. Adding chemicals or supplements in feeds or harnessing fermentation by microorganism result in reducing methane production. To reduce methane emission, combination of agricultural by-product and other nonstructural carbohydrates in the form of total mixed ration (TMR) is feasible.
