Sweet Potato Biomass as an Alternative Feed for Sheep: Effects of Leaf to Tuber Ratio on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation

Will be presented at Friday, 23 May 2025, 13.45 (GMT +7)

Abstract

The main problems of sheep production is the quantity, quality and price of feed ingredients. Alternative feed such as sweet potato biomass which the leaves and the steams can be protein sources and the tuber can be energy source. This study aimed to determine the best proportion of sweet potato tuber and leaves on characteristics in vitro rumen fermentation. This study used a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 4 group as replication, based on different sheep’s rumen fluid. The treatments were P0 = 60% leaves and 40% tubers; P1 = 65% leaves and 35% tubers; P2 = 70% leaves and 30% tubers; P3 = 75% leaves and 25% tubers; P4 = 80% leaves and 20% tubers. The results showed that 80% leaves and 20% tubers treatment significantly (P<0.05) increase the digestibility of dry matter (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), NH3 concentration, bacterial population, and reduce the population of protozoa. However 80% leaves and 20% tubers treatment did not effect the total VFA production and rumen pH. It is concluded that the proportion of 80% of sweet potato leaves and 20% of sweet potato tubers give good result, such as effect on the effectiveness of digestibility, so as increasing sheep’s rumen fermentation.