Effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on aerobic stability and digestibility of ensiled total mixed ration

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR). Four ensiled TMRs were designed on fresh matter basis: (i) 45% P. sinese (BSS0); (ii) 15% BSS + 30% P. sinese (BSS15); (iii) 25% BSS + 20% P. sinese (BSS25); (iv) 35% BSS + 10% P. sinese (BSS35). All silages were moderately fermented according to the V-score. Substituting P. sinese with BSS increased acetic acid content and decreased ethanol and ammonia nitrogen contents (p < .05). With the increasing proportion of BSS, neutral detergent fibre decreased, and relative feed value increased (p < .05). Under aerobic exposure, BSS-substituted (BSS15, BSS25 and BSS35) silages were more stable than BSS0 silage with lower silage temperature and yeast population. No significant differences in BSS substitution were observed in in vitro gas production, digestibility, metabolisable energy and net energy for lactation (p > .05). The substitution of P. sinese with BSS had no adverse effect on the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility while efficiently improving the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR. The BSS35 substitution level is recommended considering the maximum utilisation of BSS. HIGHLIGHTS Bamboo shoot shell (BSS) was explored for ensiled TMR. BSS had no effect on the silage digestibility. BSS improved aerobic stability.