Mulberry Leaves Silage: Unlocking a Nutrient-Rich Forage for Ruminant Health

As livestock nutrition continues to evolve, innovative forage solutions are gaining traction among farmers and veterinarians alike. One promising development is Mulberry Leaves Silage, a nutrient-rich, digestible, and sustainable feed option for ruminant animals.

With rising feed costs and growing interest in natural, eco-friendly alternatives, mulberry leaf silage is stepping into the spotlight for its impressive nutritional profile and potential to improve ruminant health and productivity.

Topics:

• Introduction to Mulberry Leaves Silage in Ruminant Nutrition

• Why Mulberry Leaves Silage Is a Game-Changer in Ruminant Feeding

• How to Prepare High-Quality Mulberry Leaves Silage

• Benefits of Mulberry Leaves Silage for Ruminant Health and Productivity

• Research Highlights and Veterinary Insights on Mulberry Leaves Silage

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mulberry Leaves Silage

• Conclusion: Embracing Mulberry Leaves Silage for Sustainable Ruminant Farming

Introduction to Mulberry Leaves Silage in Ruminant Nutrition

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is widely recognized for its use in sericulture, but its value as animal fodder is now garnering attention. As a high-quality forage source, mulberry leaves offer significant advantages, mainly when processed into silage. Mulberry Leaves Silage refers to the fermented, preserved form of chopped mulberry foliage, which retains high crude protein levels, digestibility, and bioactive compounds.

With global interest in sustainable livestock feeding practices, this silage is a viable alternative to conventional forages such as alfalfa, corn, or Napier grass. The silage process extends the shelf life of mulberry leaves and enhances their palatability and nutritional value, making it suitable for various ruminants, including cattle, goats, and sheep.

Why Mulberry Leaves Silage Is a Game-Changer in Ruminant Feeding

Compared to traditional silage sources, mulberry leaves silage stands out for its high protein content (15% to 28%), elevated calcium, phosphorus, essential amino acids, and naturally occurring antioxidants. It is ideal for dairy cattle, meat goats, and lactating ewes.

Moreover, studies indicate that mulberry foliage is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which have been linked to anthelmintic activity and help reduce gastrointestinal parasite loads in ruminants. 

“Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Morus laevigata have the highest anthelmintic and antimicrobial efficacy, with Morus alba being the most effective,” according to the study by Rao, A., & Mahmood, R. titled  Anthelminthic and Antimicrobial Activities in Some Species of Mulberry published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2012.

Its highly digestible energy also supports milk production, weight gain, and immune function, key metrics of animal performance in both smallholder and commercial systems.

“Mulberry plants have diverse health benefits and can be used in food, animal feed, and pharmaceutical industries due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties,” according to the study by Maqsood, M., Saeed, R., Sahar, A., & Khan, M. titled Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review published in the Journal of food biochemistry in 2022.

How to Prepare High-Quality Mulberry Leaves Silage

To create quality mulberry silage, harvesting should occur during the early vegetative stage when nutrient concentrations are optimal. Leaves and tender stems are chopped to 2–3 cm lengths, and moisture is adjusted to around 60–65% to promote optimal fermentation.

Additives such as molasses, urea, or microbial inoculants may improve fermentation quality, ensuring an anaerobic environment supporting lactic acid bacteria growth. The mixture is tightly packed in airtight containers or silos to prevent spoilage and must be kept sealed for at least 21–30 days to achieve complete fermentation.

Proper ensiling practices ensure the resulting mulberry leaves silage is aromatic, slightly acidic, and retains a greenish-brown color, indicating preservation of nutrients and palatability.

Benefits of Mulberry Leaves Silage for Ruminant Health and Productivity

Ruminants fed mulberry leaves silage often exhibit improved feed intake, enhanced rumen microbial activity, and better nutrient absorption. It boosts milk yield and quality for dairy goats and cows, particularly milk fat and protein percentages.

Due to its high metabolizable energy content, mulberry silage supports faster weight gain and muscle development in beef cattle. In addition, the bioactive phytochemicals present in mulberry silage boost immunity, reduce oxidative stress, and limit parasitic infections, reducing the need for chemical dewormers and antibiotics.

Furthermore, incorporating this silage into total mixed rations (TMR) can help maintain rumen pH balance, reduce methane emissions, and support long-term animal welfare.

Mulberry Leaves Silage in Smallholder and Commercial Farming Systems

One of the most attractive features of mulberry leaf silage is its adaptability across farming scales. Smallholder farmers benefit from the ease of growing mulberry trees on marginal lands, often without irrigation or synthetic fertilizers. The tree’s rapid growth, deep root system, and drought tolerance make it a suitable candidate for agroforestry systems, fodder banks, or silvopasture integration.

Conversely, commercial farms can incorporate mulberry silage into mechanized feeding programs, ensuring consistent forage availability year-round. Since it lowers reliance on expensive commercial feeds and imported protein supplements, significantly reducing feed costs and enhancing economic sustainability.

Challenges and Considerations in Using Mulberry Leaves Silage

Despite its many benefits, some considerations exist when using mulberry leaf silage. Seasonal leaf drop and variations in leaf biomass can affect availability, requiring good planning and storage. In regions with high humidity, spoilage or mold growth increases if ensiling is not done correctly.

Moreover, the nutrient composition of mulberry leaves may vary based on species, soil type, and maturity stage, so forage testing is recommended to adjust ration formulations accordingly. Overfeeding may also lead to minor issues such as bloating, especially if introduced abruptly into the diet.

Research Highlights and Veterinary Insights on Mulberry Leaves Silage

Recent studies from Asia and Africa have confirmed the value of mulberry leaf silage in ruminant nutrition. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Animal Feed Science and Technology demonstrated a 12% increase in daily milk yield among dairy cows fed with mulberry silage compared to a control group on Napier grass.

Veterinarians and animal nutritionists also emphasize mulberry silage's anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and gut health benefits, especially in reducing the impact of parasitic infections. Its inclusion rates typically range between 15% and 30% of the total dry matter intake, depending on animal species and production goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mulberry Leaves Silage

1. What animals can benefit from mulberry leaf silage? Cattle, goats, sheep, buffaloes, and camels can benefit from its high-quality nutrients.

2. Is mulberry leaves silage suitable for lactating cows and dairy goats? Yes, due to its protein and energy content, it supports milk production and reproductive health.

3. How long does mulberry leaves silage last in storage? When adequately sealed, it can last 6–12 months without significant nutrient loss.

4. Can mulberry leaves silage fully replace other forages in the diet? It is best used as a supplement to diversify the forage base and improve ration balance.

5. Are there any risks or side effects from feeding mulberry leaves silage? Overfeeding may cause bloating; gradual inclusion in the diet is recommended.

6. How much mulberry leaves silage should be fed per day? Generally, 2–5 kg of fresh silage per 100 kg body weight is an appropriate starting point.

7. Where can farmers source mulberry plants or leaves for silage? Nurseries, agricultural extension services, and silvopasture programs often provide saplings or cuttings.

Conclusion: Embracing Mulberry Leaves Silage for Sustainable Ruminant Farming

In a world where feed security and livestock sustainability are increasingly vital, mulberry leaves silage offers a practical, nutritious, and eco-conscious solution. Its unique blend of digestibility, protein content, and bioactive compounds makes it a brilliant addition to ruminant feeding systems.

Veterinarians, livestock advisors, and progressive farmers are encouraged to explore this forage innovation and integrate it into balanced feeding strategies. With continued research, education, and field adoption, mulberry leaf silage has the potential to revolutionize how the global livestock sector approaches health, performance, and profitability.