Bioconversion of Fall Armyworm-Damaged Maize Fodder into Silage: An Assessment of Nutritional Quality, Cattle Performance, Health and Economic Viability

Mogale, R., Amrutkar, S.A., Wankhede, S.M., Munde, V.K., Deshpande, K.Y. and Vaidya, M.M. 2025. Bioconversion of fall army worm-damaged maize fodder into silage: an assessment of nutritional quality, cattle performance, health and economic viability. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 359–372. This study evaluated the potential of utilizing fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) affected maize fodder as silage for feeding Red Kandhari heifers over a 90-day period. Twelve heifers were divided into two groups: Group MS received normal maize silage, while group FMS was fed silage prepared from FAW-damaged fodder. Both groups were supplemented with concentrate and Sorghum stovers to meet the nutrient requirement. Results indicated that the chemical composition of FAW-affected silage was comparable to normal silage. Fermentation quality was also comparable between the silages, with pH (4.1) and total volatile fatty acids (2.25 mmol / 100 mL) indicating successful preservation. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in fortnightly weight gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, or nutrient digestibility between the groups. Hemato-biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges and did not differ significantly. Economically, feeding FAW-affected silage had a comparable cost of production per heifer, demonstrating high prospects in waste utilization. The findings confirmed that FAW-damaged maize could be effectively ensiled without compromising feed quality, animal health, or economic returns, supporting its use as a sustainable strategy for agricultural waste valorization in livestock production.