ABSTRACT
Over the decades, the history of feed formulation has been steadily produced mainly from maize grains as against the use of maize residues. Here, we investigated the chemical composition of maize cobs derived four different states, namely; Ondo, Delta, Edo and Ekiti. Apt attention was also given to the inept potential of maize cobs in the formulation of feed diets. The experiment was conducted in the University of Benin Project Farm, Benin City, Edo State. Each enzymes used during the research, in the likes of Enerzyme, Ronozyme, Rosszyme and Natuzyme were all obtained from the University of Benin, Animal Science Laboratory. The ensiled maize cobs derived in the process, were then sun-dried until a dry weight was achieved, after undergoing a seven-day bio-fermentation process in a serene environment. According to the results of this research it was observed that the maize cobs gotten from Ekiti state which was ensiled with Natuzyme recorded the highest proportions in Calcium, Phosphorus, and Sodium which also explains that Ekiti state maize cobs with an inclusion of the enzyme Natuzyme, are one of the best in the process of formulating feeds. On the other hand it was also observed that the maize cobs which was not ensiled with any enzymes had the lowest proportions in Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) which informs us that the formulation of feed diets without the inclusion of enzymes could be detrimental to our farm animals. Hence, ensiling maize cobs with multienzymes should be employed in diet formulations in order to boost the total levels of minerals available in the diet. In conclusion, the proximate analysis of the laboratory experiment revealed that the maize cobs which was not ensiled with any enzymes recorded the lowest Moisture content, ash content, Crude protein content, and Nitrogen Free extract content. This shows that the exclusion of enzymes in a maize cob diet could rip our farm animals of receiving the right amount of nutrients in a diet. Hence, the use of multi-enzymes with maize cobs should be encouraged in feed formulations.
