PRAISE ADEMIDUN ADELUGBIN

The agricultural sector in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa faces persistent challenges in meeting livestock nutritional needs, particularly during dry seasons when conventional feed becomes scarce and expensive. Maize cobs, despite being a widely accessible agriculture by-product of maize processing, are not very useful because of the high fibre content and poor digestion. This study shows the impact of a short-term (14-day) ensiling period with wood ash extract (WAE) on the chemical and physical characteristics of maize cobs, with a focus on their usefulness as a feed ingredient.The cobs were subjected to four treatments: untreated control (T1), water-soaked (T2), ensiled with 250ml WAE (T3), and ensiled with 500ml WAE (T4). Results showed that WAE treatment significantly altered the proximate composition. Moisture content increased from 11.93% in T1 to 22.87% in T4, and ash content rose from 1.55% in T1 to 2.41% in T4, indicating mineral enrichment. However, a leaching effect was observed; crude protein, which increased to 5.53% in T2, decreased to 3.78% in T4. Similarly, ether extract (fat) was lowest (0.39%) in T4. Carbohydrates were substantially reduced from 55.44% in T1 to 40.94% in T4, indicating microbial utilization during fermentation. Mineral analysis revealed that T3 was most effective for enrichment, increasing Potassium to 314.60 mg/100g and Zinc to 1.82 mg/100g, while higher volumes (T4) led to leaching of Phosphorus (25.72 mg/100g). Physically, the treated cobs exhibited a softer texture and a characteristic vinegar-like aroma, indicating successful fermentation.The study concludes that ensiling maize cobs with a moderate volume (250ml) of wood ash extract (T3) optimally enhances the mineral profile and induces beneficial fermentation, presenting a practical strategy for valorizing this agro-waste into a valuable feed resource for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.