An experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics of maize (Zea mays) and napier (Pennisetum purpureum) silages preserved in Bamboo-mat Fenced Chamber (BFC) in comparison with fresh napier fodder. Three cannulated indigenous cross-bred animals with similar live weight (170±5 kg) and age (5-6 years old) were assigned into 3×3 Latin Square Design (LSD) in 3 consecutive studies. Each study period was continued for 21 days in which 14 days were considered as adjustment period followed by 7 days for collection and measurement period. Maize and napier fodder were ensiled with 2% molasses (on DM basis) in Bamboo-mat Fenced Chamber (BFC) for 30 days. Napier fodder diet (T0) contained 35% DM from napier fodder while diets of maize silage (T1) and napier silage (T2) contained 35% DM from maize and napier silage respectively. In addition to 30% DM from rice straw and 35% DM from concentrates in all diets. Total DM and nutrient intake (OM, CP, ADF and NDF) was insignificant (P>0.05) in cattle fed napier grass, maize and napier silage based diets. Apparent digestibility of DM and OM was significantly (P0.05) changed. Results of nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics of maize and napier silage in comparison with napier fodder proved that the forages can be preserved in BFC without any harmful effects of nutritional and rumen fermentation characteristics.
