Enhancing Quality, Nutritive Value and Acceptability of Cassava Peel Pellets by Cattle Using Graded Levels of Urea

Abstract

Millions of tonnes of cassava peel are discarded annually across Nigeria's cassava processing industry, yet this abundant by-product remains largely untapped as cattle feed due to its low crude protein content. This study investigated the effects of graded urea levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) on the quality, nutritive value, and acceptability of pelletised cassava peel-based diets (T1–T5), using a completely randomised design. Pellet friability remained within acceptable limits across all treatments, though T3 was significantly less durable. Bacterial count differed significantly among treatments, and fungal load was detected only in T5. Crude protein increased dose dependently, from 6.81% (T1) to 12.27% (T5) (P < 0.05), confirming that graded urea corrected the protein deficiency of the cassava peel base. Feed intake did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), while CoP and %P both differed significantly, with T1, T4, and T5 more preferred than T2 and T3; acceptability was not compromised at the highest urea level. These findings show that urea can be included up to 2.0% to substantially improve protein content without depressing intake or pellet durability, though the fungal presence at T5 warrants continued monitoring. These findings support graded urea inclusion, particularly at 1.5–2.0%, as a practical strategy for cassava peel-based cattle diets.