The replacement of whole-plant corn with bamboo shoot shell on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration silage

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing of whole-plant corn (WPC) with different proportions of bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. Four TMRs were produced on a fresh matter basis: (i) 45% WPC (control); (ii) 15% BSS + 30% WPC (BSS15); (iii) 25% BSS + 20% WPC (BSS25); and (iv) 35% BSS + 10% WPC (BSS35). After ensiling for 5, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days, silos were opened for silage quality and in vitro parameter analyses, and a subsequent aerobic stability test was performed on the 90-day silage for 14 days. The 90-day silages replaced with BSS15 and BSS25 were well fermented, as indicated by high lactic acid (LA) content, low pH value and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and butyric acid (BA) contents. When aerobic exposure occurred, in comparison to the control, the BSS-replaced silages were more stable with lower fermentation temperature as well as higher contents of LA, acetic acid (AA) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC). No significant differences of BSS replacement were observed on in vitro gas production, digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy for lactation (NEL). In conclusion, the replacement of WPC with BSS15 and BSS25 had no adverse effect on fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility while improving the aerobic stability of TMR silage. The BSS25 replacement level is recommended to ensure the maximum utilization of BSS.