The impact of wheat straw and alfalfa additives on quality and in vitro digestibility of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) waste silage

Abstract

BackgroundSeed pumpkin waste is a significant portion of the vast quantities of vegetable waste generated annually, which has the potential to be used as feed for livestock. The disposal of pumpkin waste, which is unsuitable for human consumption, has the potential to reduce conflict between humans and cattle for agricultural land. This study examined the quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro organic matter digestion of silage generated by combining seed pumpkin waste with wheat straw and alfalfa in varying proportions. MethodsThe consisted of seven different mixtures of pumpkin seed waste with wheat straw and alfalfa. The mixtures were, control (100% pumpkin), P85S15 (85% pumpkin, 15% wheat straw), P80S20 (80% pumpkin, 20% wheat straw), P75S25 (75% pumpkin, 25% wheat straw), P70S15A15 (70% pumpkin, 15% wheat straw, 15% alfalfa), P60S20A20 (60% pumpkin, 20% wheat straw, 20% alfalfa), and P50S25A25 (50% pumpkin, 25% wheat straw, 25% alfalfa). These mixtures were compressed into 1.5-liter glass jars and then ensiled. The silages were opened after a fermentation period of 60 days. The pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids were determined after the fermentation period. ResultThe pH values of the silage mixtures varied between 3.57 and 4.19. Aerobic stability values (CO2 formation) increased with the addition of straw and alfalfa. Fleig score calculations were ranked as ‘good’ and ‘very good’. ConclusionIt is concluded that pumpkin waste, which has high moisture content, can be used as a source of roughage in animal feeding when the silage is made with the additives of wheat straw and alfalfa. The use of pumpkins as silage is of great significance in Turkey, as it serves to reduce environmental pollution and offers an alternative source of ruminant roughage. This may be achieved by making a silage mixture that incorporates pumpkins, wheat straw, and alfalfa.