Investigation of nutritional value, In Vitro digestibility values silajing and alternative feed potential of banana plant

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value, in vitro digestibility characteristics, ensilability, and potential of banana plant waste as an alternative feed material. During banana cultivation, a significant amount of waste material is generated, and utilizing this waste in the livestock sector presents great potential for sustainable animal feeding. In this study, banana plant wastes were obtained from a banana enterprise operating in Alanya, Antalya. The nutrient composition of banana leaves and pseudostems was analyzed, and their ensilability and in vitro digestibility were examined. Nutrient analysis results indicated that banana leaves have high cellulose and lignin content. Due to the scarcity of roughage, the ensilability of banana waste was investigated to meet the need for alternative feed sources, and the effect of different levels of barley grain addition (5%, 10%, 20%) on silage quality was evaluated. Physical analyses revealed that barley grain addition did not cause significant changes in the physical characteristics of the silage, such as color, odor, and structure; however, it significantly improved pH and Flieg scores. Chemical analyses showed that adding barley grain reduced the ADF and NDF content of the silage while increasing its dry matter and crude protein content. In vitro digestibility analyses demonstrated that barley grain supplementation positively affected the digestibility characteristics of banana silage. In particular, the 10% and 20% barley grain additions yielded the best results in terms of in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVTOMD). In conclusion, banana plant waste can be used as an alternative feed source in animal nutrition, but the addition of appropriate supplements is necessary to enhance its nutritional value. By incorporating additives such as barley grain, the quality and digestibility of banana silage can be improved, providing an efficient and sustainable feed source for animal nutrition. Key words: Animal nutrition, Alternative feed, Banana plant, Digestibility, Silage