EFFECT OF ENSILING WHITE MELON SEED HULLS WITH MOLASSES AND UREA ON THE PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDING

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of ensiling7 white melon seed hulls enhanced with molasses and urea on the nutritional composition and potential use as livestock feed. The primary objective was to assess both the proximate and mineral compositions of the silage. The experimental design followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatment groups, varying in the ratios of melon seed hulls, molasses, and urea. The ensiling process lasted 21 days using plastic silos. Analytical techniques involved standard proximate analysis and mineral profiling through atomic absorption spectrophotometry and flame photometry. Results showed that increasing the proportion of melon seed hulls reduced crude protein levels but increased fiber and nitrogen-free extract, indicating higher carbohydrate availability. Molasses significantly improved fermentation quality, while urea boosted the crude protein content. Mineral analysis revealed beneficial increases in iron, zinc, and copper, although calcium and sodium levels declined with higher hull inclusion. The study concludes that ensiling melon seed hulls with molasses and urea enhances their nutritional value, making them a viable, cost-effective feed alternative for ruminants. It recommends broader adoption by livestock farmers, further in vivo testing, and training programs to promote this sustainable feeding strategy.