Effects of Graded Cassava Peel Inclusion on the Quality and Acceptability of Gliricidia sepium Leaf Pellets by Cattle

This study evaluated the proximate composition, friability, total culturable microbial counts, and short-term cattle acceptability of Gliricidia sepium leaf pellets containing graded levels of cassava peel. Five formulations were prepared with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% cassava peel, while molasses (2%) and salt (1%) remained constant. Proximate composition was determined using standard analytical procedures, pellet friability was assessed by tumbling, and total culturable bacterial and fungal counts were determined using pour plating. Short-term preference was evaluated using seven Sokoto Gudali cattle in a cafeteria feeding assessment following 10 days of adaptation, with intake recorded during 30-minute daily presentations over four days. Crude protein decreased from 25.38% in T1 to 19.73% in T5, while crude fibre declined from 14.94% to 11.14%. Nitrogen-free extract increased from 35.97% to 46.50%, although intermediate values were not consistently progressive. Treatment differences were significant (P < 0.05) for dry matter, moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, and nitrogen-free extract, but not for crude fat or ash. Pellet friability ranged from 0.51% to 0.73%, with no significant differences among treatments (P > 0.05). Total culturable bacterial counts ranged from 1.49 × 10³ to 5.28 × 10³ CFU/g, while fungal counts ranged from zero to 1.67 × 10¹ CFU/g. Mean short-term intake was highest for T5 (40% cassava peel; 3.80 kg) and lowest for T1 (0% cassava peel; 0.30 kg). T5 also recorded the highest coefficient of preference (2.89) and percentage preference (55.00%). These findings indicate that cassava peel can be incorporated into Gliricidia sepium leaf pellets at inclusion levels of up to 40%, with no significant differences in friability among formulations under the test conditions. The 40% cassava-peel formulation recorded the highest short-term cattle intake and preference, although further studies are required to establish its long-term acceptability, nutritional adequacy, and feeding safety. The formulation may have potential as an alternative feed resource for cattle, particularly during periods of limited forage availability.