Nutritive value of fresh and ensiled amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) treated with different levels of molasses

The nutritive value of the fresh and ensiled amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) treated with various levels of molasses was assessed. Three levels of molasses (i.e., 0, 50, 100 g/kg of fresh basis) were compared. Both fresh and ensiled amaranth was rich in Ca, K and Mg. moderate in P and low in Na. Ensiling decreased NDFom and water Soluble carbohydrates (WSC) contents (P<0.05) but had no effect on dry matter (DM), ADFom, lignin(sa), nitrate and oxalic acid content. Ensiling increased CP and SP content (P<0.05), but decreased TP, NDICP and ADICP (P<0.05). In vitro gas production of fresh amaranth were higher than those for ensiled forage (P<0.05). Addition of molasses decreased (P<0.0.5) pH, cell wall fractions, CP, Ca, P. Mg, TR NDICP, ADICP, butyric acid and ammonia-N, but increased (P<0.05) DM, Na, K, SP, WSC, lactic, acetic, propionic acid, in vitro gas production and estimated parameters. Based on its moderate CP value and in vitro gas production, amaranth has potential as a livestock forage and, when drying is not practical, amaranth can be preserved as silage. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.