Czech J. Anim. Sci., X:X | DOI: 10.17221/163/2025-CJAS

Effects of papaya peel addition on fermentation quality, nutritional value and in vitro ruminal digestion of napier grass silage

Li Liang, Jingzhen Li, Huade Xie, Xianqing Luo, Fanquan Zeng, Qian Deng, Chengjian Yang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Buffalo Genetics, Reproduction and Breeding, Guangxi Buffalo Research Institute, Nanning, P.R. China


The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of papaya peel addition on the quality and in vitro ruminal digestion of napier grass silage. Fresh napier grass was mixed with papaya peel at 0% (control), 15%, 30%, and 45% of fresh weight and ensiled under anaerobic conditions. After fermentation, silages were analysed for pH, organic acids, ammonia-N, and nutrient composition. In vitro ruminal fermentation was conducted using the rumen fluid collected from buffaloes to assess gas production, volatile fatty acid profiles, and hydrogen release. The results showed that papaya peel addition significantly affected silage fermentation and nutrient composition. The inclusion at 15% lowered pH and increased lactic acid concentration compared with the control (P < 0.05). Higher inclusion levels (30% and 45%) reduced neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre content, increased total digestible nutrients and relative feed value (P < 0.05). In vitro ruminal fermentation showed that, compared with the control, hydrogen production was significantly reduced in the 15% treatment, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio was highest in the 45% treatment as a result of decreased propionate acid concentration (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that co-ensiling napier grass with papaya peel improved fermentation quality and feed value, with 15% addition yielding the most desirable balance of fermentation characteristics and ruminal fermentation outcomes. This approach provides a practical strategy for enhancing the forage preservation and utilising fruit-processing by-products in tropical livestock systems.

Keywords: Carica papaya L. peel; co-ensiling; fruit by-products; Pennisetum purpureum Schumach; silage quality

Received: November 25, 2025; Accepted: March 18, 2026; Prepublished online: March 27, 2026 

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