Silage pH Research Articles

Nitrogen fertilisation method affects wheat silage ammonia-N and crude protein content

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the nitrogen fertilisation supply method on wheat silage fermentation parameters and nutritional value. Eighteen experimental plots were used in a randomised block design to assess the following treatments: (1) control (CON): crop without nitrogen fertilisation; (2) surface (SUR): 100 kg/ha N during the crop, applied in surface; (3) furrows (FUR): 100 kg/ha N during the crop, applied in furrows during the seeding. Whole plants were manually harvested at 5 cm height 83 days after the sowing. One experimental silo (PVC tubes) was produced for each agronomical plot and stored for 69 days. In general, N fertilisation did not affect silage pH and ammonia-N (NH3-N) content, but silos FUR had less NH3-N than those with SUR. Fertilisation increased the CP and DM content and reduced starch in the silage. FUR increased DM and reduced CP compared to SUR. Furthermore, N fertilisation increased non-protein nitrogen and decreased in vitro degradation of DM and OM. Fertilisation methods did not affect N fractions in silage or in vitro degradation. Therefore, N fertilisation, especially FUR, reduces NH3-N and CP and increases DM content of silage, but decreases in vitro DM and OM degradation.

Kualitas Fisik Silase Jerami Jagung (Zea mays) dengan Campuran Indigofera zollingeriana

Corn straw has the potential as a ruminant feed, but is constrained by low crude protein so it must be combined with Indigofera zollingeriana legumes which have high crude protein. The addition of Indigofera zollingeriana at different levels is expected to increase the crude protein of corn straw silage (Zea mays) and is expected to produce good silage quality. This study aims to determine the physical quality of corn straw silage (Zea mays) and Indigofera zollingeriana in different proportions. The variables observed in this study were the percentage of shrinkage, pH value, percentage of moldy silage, fleigh value, and physical quality (color, aroma, and texture). This experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 treatments and each treatment was repeated 6 times, so there were 18 experimental units, namely P1 = 80% Corn straw + 15% Indigofera zollingeriana + 4% bran + 1% mineral mixture; P2 = 70% Corn straw + 25% Indigofera zollingeriana + 4% bran + 1% mineral mixture; P3 = 60% Corn straw + 35% Indigofera zollingeriana + 4% bran + 1% mineral mixture. The results of the analysis of variance test showed that corn straw silage (Zea mays) with a mixture of Indigofera zollingeriana had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the percentage of moldy silage, fleigh value, and physical quality (color, aroma, texture) but had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the percentage of shrinkage and pH of silage. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the best silage proportion was obtained in the P2 treatment with 70% corn straw + 25% Indigofera zollingeriana + 4% fine bran + 1% mineral mixture, resulting in good quality silage.

Exploring the combination of wilting and different types of additives to improve silage quality of highland alfalfa: Fermentation quality, nutritional values, molecular structural features, and ruminal degradability

The study aimed to explore the interaction between wilting pretreatment and different types of ensiling additives on silage quality, nutritional value, molecular structural features, and ruminal degradability of highland alfalfa. A total of 48 bags of alfalfa forage were randomly assigned into one of eight treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (6 replication bags/treatment). One kg of either unwilted (72 % moisture) or wilted (60 %) alfalfa forage was inoculated with acidic salt, lactic acid bacteria, organic acids, or left without additive (control). Our results indicated that the wilting process increased lactic acid and crude protein levels, decreased the NH3-N level in silage, and increased its in vitro DM digestibility (all P < 0.05). The wilting treatment increased the amide I/II ratio by 31.7 % and the total carbohydrate II regions by 19.6 % (both P < 0.05). Inoculating pre-wilted alfalfa with lactic acid bacteria further reduced the pH and NH3-N levels and increased the lactic acid level and DM digestibility in silage (all P < 0.05). The addition of organic acids decreased silage pH and increased lactic acid, crude protein, and starch contents, and DM digestibility (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that silage with a higher amide I/II peak height ratio and TC2 areas had more digestible nutrients and higher DM digestibility. In conclusion, wilting pretreatment combined with lactic acid bacteria inoculant is an effective approach to improve quality and nutrient availability of highland alfalfa silage. The non-invasion spectrometer has the potential to reveal the molecular spectral characteristics of alfalfa silage and predict nutrient availability.

157 Microbial inoculant effects on limpograss silage

Abstract Warm-season perennial grasses are the main forage sources preserved as silage or haylage by livestock producers in subtropical and tropical regions; however, the nutritive value and silage fermentation parameters are often less than desirable. Microbial inoculants have been used to improve grass silage nutritive value and fermentation characteristics with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a microbial inoculant on nutritive value and fermentation parameters of ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) silage. Treatments were silage treated with SiloSolve FC (68.1 billion CFU/g, Lactobacillus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri) or control (no microbial inoculant) distributed in a complete randomized design with 10 replicates. The inoculant level used was 0.5 g/Mg of forage. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL in May 2023. Twenty 4 × 4 m plots of established limpograss were harvested at 15-cm stubble height with 58-d regrowth interval. The forage was chopped to a particle size ranging from 10 to 18 mm, placed into mini-silos (PVC pipes with rubber), and sealed immediately. The inoculant was applied with a hand sprayer before ensiling. The silos were opened after 60 d for analysis. There was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the inoculant and control treatments on DM concentration (25%), DM recovery (96%), NDF (67%), and NFC concentrations (14%); however, silage treated with inoculant had greater CP (8.5 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.03), IVTD (56 vs. 54%; P = 0.01), and NDFD (53 vs. 51%, P = 0.02) and lesser ADF concentrations (38 vs. 40%; P = 0.02) than control. The inoculant did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) silage pH (4.2) and lactic acid concentrations (1.5%) but resulted in greater acetic acid (2.5 vs. 2.0%; P = 0.01), propionic acid (1.6 vs. 1.0%, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and total acid concentrations (5.6 vs. 5.0%; P = 0.04), and decreased butyric acid (0 vs. 0.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), isobutyric acid (0.1 vs. 0.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and NH3-N concentrations (4.4 vs. 5.3% N; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Aerobic stability (140 h), mold (1.1 log cfu/g) and yeast (2.2 log cfu/g) count were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by the inoculant treatment. At the genus level, there was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in relative abundance of Lactobacillus (85%), Enterobacter (4.0%), Enterococcus (1.8%), and Weissella (0.2%) between inoculant and control, but silage treated with inoculant had less Clostridium (1.0 vs. 2.3%, P = 0.04), Pediococcus (0.2 vs. 0.3%, P = 0.03) and greater relative abundance of Lactococcus (2.8 vs. 0.5%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and Bacillus (0.2 vs. 0.1%, P = 0.01). At the species level, the inoculant was effective to increase the relative abundance of Lactococcus lactis (from 0.02 to 0.48, P = 0.002) and Lactobacillus buchneri (from 1.4 to 1.9, P = 0.03). SiloSolve FC is a promising microbial inoculant to be used in warm-season grass silage in subtropical and tropical regions.

155 Modulating silage fermentation with microbial inoculants

Abstract Silage is a vital feed ingredient for beef and dairy cattle diets in many areas worldwide. Even though ensiling is a well-established method of forage preservation, producers face a myriad of challenges to produce, harvest, and store forages optimally. Challenging circumstances like these create difficulties for proper silage fermentation, increase dry matter (DM) losses and silage contamination with mycotoxins, and reduce the nutritive value of ensiled forages. Losses of DM and nutrients occur during production, fermentation, and feeding of silage. Although some losses are unavoidable, poor management may increase DM losses up to 60% which may eventually lead to decreased feed efficiency, as each percentage-unit lost as DM is a percentage-unit of feed that cannot be converted into animal products. Loss of DM during forage production and preservation is estimated to cost beyond a billion dollars worldwide. Even in well-managed silages, yeasts and molds that survive anaerobic fermentation may grow rapidly and reduce aerobic stability after silo opening, and mold count in silage is positively related to DM loss. The use of silage microbial inoculants is a key strategy to modulate silage fermentation and preserve forage successfully. This presentation will discuss microbial inoculant strategies to optimize silage fermentation and minimize silage losses. Homofermentative bacterial inoculants, which contain bacteria that almost exclusively produce lactic acid, have been shown to effectively reduce silage pH and improve DM recovery. The use of homofermentative microbial inoculants have been shown to attenuate DM loss during ensiling and to increase dry matter intake and hence lactation performance by dairy cows. Heterofermentative bacterial inoculants, which contain bacteria capable of producing both lactic and acetic acids, reduce mold and yeast counts and improve silage aerobic stability.

Physico-chemical Characterization of Tofu By-Product Silage Supplemented with Fine Rice Bran and Chestnut Tannin as Silage Additives

This study seeks to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of tofu waste silage with the inclusion of refined rice bran and chestnut tannins as additives. This study employed an experimental method using a completely randomized design, comprising four treatments and five replications. The treatments included are T1: Fresh Tofu Waste (FTW as control), T2: FTW + 5% fine rice bran (DM basis), T3: FTW + 1% chestnut tannin (DM basis), and T4: FTW + 5% fine rice bran + 1% chestnut tannin (DM basis). The variables measured were temperature, humidity, pH, mold growth, aroma, texture, color, and dry matter loss. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan's multiple range test was applied at a 5% significance level to assess significant differences between treatments. The findings revealed that the inclusion of fine rice bran and chestnut tannin had a significant impact (P&lt;0.05) on the temperature, humidity, pH, mold growth, aroma, texture, color, and dry matter loss of fresh tofu waste silage. In conclusion, the addition of 5% fine rice bran and 1% chestnut tannin resulted in tofu waste silage with superior physico-chemical quality, as evidenced by the lowest dry matter loss compared to the other treatments.

Uji organoleptik, jamur, dan pH silase rumput pakchong yang diberi suplemen organik cair herbal

Pakchong grass is a high-yielding forage that has good quality and can be used as silage. The research aims to determine the physical quality, fungi, and pH of pakchong grass silage with the addition of herbal SOC. The variables observed were color, aroma, texture, taste, fungi, and pH. This research was carried out in Pulosari Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, West Java. This research used experimental methods and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consist of 4 treatments and 5 replications, namely: P1 = Pakchong grass + 1% herbal SOC, P2 = Pakchong grass + 3% herbal SOC, P3 = Pakchong grass + 5% herbal SOC, and P4 = Pakchong grass + 7% herbal SOC. The results showed that it had a significant effect on color, aroma, texture, taste, and fungi but had no significant effect on the pH of the silage. The higher the level of herbal SOC given, the more the quality decreases. The addition of 1% herbal SOC produced pakchong grass silage with the best physical, fungi, and pH qualities.

The Forage Yield and Silage Quality of Maize-Sorghum-Sainfoin Mixtures

The aim of the study was to determine forage yield and silage quality in maize/sorghum (M/S) with sainfoin (SA). The field trial was conducted in 2022 to study the effects of different binary sowing ratios (80%M-20%SA, 60%M-40%SA, 30%M-70%SA; 80%S-20%SA, 60%S-40%SA, 30%S-70%SA, 100%M, 100%SA, 100%S) in 3 replications. Prior to ensiling, the hay yield and fresh yield in the intercropping plots were measured. Parameters of dry matter ratio, pH, crude protein, ADF, NDF, mineral matters, and organic acid were defined in silages opened after fermentation. Before ensiling the highest yield was obtained from maize and yield decreased with an increase in sainfoin sowing density. After ensiling, all of the silage parameters were affected by mixing ratios. When the sainfoin ratio was decreased, dry matter, crude protein, and pH of mixture silages were dramatically reduced, but mineral matters were increased. The highest dry matter was determined in sole sainfoin silage. The best results of lactic acid and acetic acid contents were defined in 80%S-20%SA and 60%S-40%SA silage (except for sole treatments). Besides, it was seen that the addition of sorghum to sainfoin silage increases lactic acid content compared to maize. As a result, intercropping of sainfoin with maize and sorghum provided profitable feed production and improved silage quality. As a result, intercropping of sainfoin with maize and sorghum provided profitable feed production and improved silage quality.

Evaluation of chitosan and microbial inoculants on aerobic stability and fermentative profile pearl millet, corn and sorghum silages

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants, chitosan, and blend (microbial inoculants and chitosan) on chemical composition, in vitro degradability, fermentative profile, losses, aerobic stability, and microorganism counts of corn, pearl millet and sorghum silages. A randomised block design was used in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 4. Three crops (pearl millet, corn and sorghum) and four additives: Control (without additive), 2 g of microbial inoculants (for ton of forage), 10 g/kg chitosan per kg of ensiled material, and blend (chitosan [5 g/kg] plus microbial inoculants [2 g/ton forage]), with five replicates per treatment. Chitosan increases the CP levels of silages and improves the in vitro degradability of DM in sorghum silage. The microbial inoculants reduced the pH in pearl millet, corn and sorghum silages (P < 0.001). The additives affected (P < 0.05) the aerobic stability of silages throughout the evaluation period. However, when evaluating the chitosan, the average temperature of the pearl millet and corn silages remained stable for a longer period. Chitosan improved the nutritional quality of sorghum silage. Chitosan-treated silages pearl millet and corn silages show great efficiency in aerobic stability due to antifungal activity. The microbial inoculants show reduced gas losses compared to chitosan.

Productive and Qualitative Traits of Sorghum Genotypes Used for Silage under Tropical Conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive potential, chemical composition, and fermentation profile of 24 genotypes of forage sorghum after ensiling. For this agronomic evaluation, a completely randomized block design with six replicates and twenty-four treatments was employed. Genotype 5 had the highest dry matter (DM) yield of 22.24 t/ha. The plant DM content ranged (p &lt; 0.001) from 271.8 g/kg of fresh matter (FM) in genotype 9 to 330.0 g/kg FM in genotype 3, averaging 302.9 g/kg FM. The crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates differed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) in the evaluated silages, with mean values of 61.0 and 275.3 g/kg DM, respectively. The pH of the sorghum silages also differed (p &lt; 0.001), despite having an average of 3.94, with values ranging from 3.68 to 4.27. No changes were observed (p &gt; 0.05) for the dry matter recovery of the sorghum genotype silages, which averaged at 853.9 g/kg FM. In the present study, genotype 5 resulted in being the most recommended genotype because it demonstrated a higher yield and higher nutritional value in both its fresh form and its ensiled form; had the lowest losses; and showed an ideal dry matter recovery after ensiling of 880 g/kg.

Productivity and quality of Mulato II grass (Urochloa híbrido) alone and silage with agroindustrial by-products

The use of silage is considered as a feeding strategy in animal production systems with ruminants during dry periods. The objective was to evaluate the yield and nutritive value in forage and silage of Mulato II grass (Urochloa hybrid) and two additives, at different regrowth ages. Ages of 3, 6 and 9 weeks and additives (orange peel and molasses) were evaluated in silages: 1) Mulato II (ME); 2) Mulato II + orange peel; 3) Mulato II + molasses and 4) Mulato II + orange peel + molasses. The variables were: yield (kg ha-1) of total dry matter (TDM) and by morphological component, plant height (PH, cm), leaf area index (LAI), CP, NDF, ADF and lignin in forage and silage; pH, brix degrees and DM (%) in silage. When the forage was harvested at nine weeks of regrowth, the highest DM yield was obtained (7 508 kg ha-1), while the CP content was higher in week three of regrowth (201 g kg-1), exceeding by 10 and 29% that found in the sixth and ninth weeks. The silages with additives presented the highest CP values and the lowest values of ADF, NDF and pH. The higher the age of regrowth, the higher the dry matter yields, while the nutritive value decreased; however, the use of orange peel and molasses in grass silages improved the nutritive value.

The impact of potato chips waste addition on fermentation and in vitro digestibility of corn silage

BackgroundThe use of potato peels, stems, and leaves in the production of silage has been reported to enhance the process of nutrient recycling and mitigate the issue of food waste. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of incorporating potato chips waste (a byproduct derived from the food processing industry) into corn silage on the quality of the silage, fermentation characteristics, and in vitro digestibility. MethodsThe silage was prepared by adding 0.5, 1, and 2% potato chips waste (PCW), whereas no addition of PCW was regarded as control. Data relating to dry matter, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, metabolic energy, methane, organic matter digestibility, fermentation characteristics, i.e., pH, ammonia nitrogen, total yeast-mold and carbon dioxide were recorded. ResultsThe addition of PCW significantly altered crude protein and in vitro organic matter digestibility, whereas dry matter, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, metabolic energy, and methane remained unaffected. The in vitro organic matter digestibility increased with the addition of PCW, and the highest value was recorded for 0.5% PCW. Similarly, fermentation characteristics, i.e., pH, ammonia nitrogen, total yeast-mold and carbon dioxide were significantly affected by the addition of PCW to corn silage. However, lactic acid bacteria remained unaffected by PCW addition. Silage pH range was 3.61–3.66. The ammonia nitrogen, total yeast mold, and CO2 production values linearly decreased with increasing amount of PCW compared to no PCW addition. ConclusionThe results of the study revealed that PCW (particularly 2%) exerted positive effects on silage quality and fermentation. Therefore, PCW and can be used as additive to improve quality and in vitro digestibility of corn silage.

Rapid pH Value Detection in Secondary Fermentation of Maize Silage Using Hyperspectral Imaging

As pH is a key factor affecting the quality of maize silage, its accurate detection is essential to ensuring product quality. Although traditional methods for testing the pH of maize silage feed are widely used, the procedures are often complex and time-consuming and may damage the sample. This study presents a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology that provides a more efficient and cost-effective method of monitoring pH by capturing the spectral information of samples and analyzing their chemical and physical properties rapidly and without contact. We applied four spectral preprocessing methods, among which the multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing method yielded the best results. To minimize model redundancy and enhance predictive performance, we utilized six feature extraction methods for characteristic wavelength extraction, integrating these with partial least squares (PLS), non-linear support vector machine regression (SVR), and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms to construct a quantitative pH value prediction model. The results showed that the model based on the bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS) feature wavelength extraction method outperformed the other feature extraction methods, selecting 20 pH value-related feature wavelengths from 256 bands and building a stable BOSS–ELM model with prediction set determination coefficient (RP2), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and relative percentage deviation (RPD) values of 0.9241, 0.4372, and 3.6565, respectively. To further optimize the model for precisely predicting pH at each pixel in hyperspectral images, we employed three algorithms: the genetic algorithm (GA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and bald eagle search (BES). These algorithms optimized and compared the BOSS–ELM model to obtain the best model for predicting maize silage pH: the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This model achieved a determination coefficient (RP2) of 0.9598, an RMSEP of 0.3216, and an RPD of 5.1448. We generated a visualized distribution map of pH value variation in maize silage using the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This study provides strong technical support and a reference for the rapid, non-destructive detection of maize silage pH from an image, an advancement of great significance to ensuring the quality of maize silage.

Effect of Chemical and Microbial Additives on Fermentation Profile, Chemical Composition, and Microbial Populations of Whole-Plant Soybean Silage

This study evaluated the effects of two chemical additives or a microbial inoculant on chemical composition and DM losses in whole-plant soybean silage. One-hundred and twenty mini-silos were used in a completely randomized design experiment with the following treatments: water without chloride (control, CON); a microbial inoculant (INO); a chemical additive containing 35–45% formic acid (FA type); and another chemical additive containing 50–60% propionic acid (PA type). Data were analyzed using mixed models of SAS, and treatment differences were evaluated by the following orthogonal contrasts: C1 = CON vs. additives (INO + FA type + PA type); C2 = INO vs. chemical additives (FA type + PA type); and C3 = PA type vs. FA type. Silage pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration were decreased, and concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid were increased with additives. Counts of lactic acid bacteria were higher in silages with INO than with chemical additives. DM recovery increased with FA type and PA type. Additives increased DM and CP concentrations. Silage A-fraction proportion was greater with additives. Additives, particularly FA type and PA type, improved chemical composition and fermentative profile and reduced undigestible proportions of protein in whole-plant soybean silage. Chemical additives were more effective in reducing silage DM losses than INO.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of sumac and molasses as additives for alfalfa silage: Influence on nutrient composition, in vitro degradabilityandfermentation quality.

This study investigated the effects of sumac and molasses on nutrient composition, in vitro degradabilityandfermentation quality of alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was ensiled in quadruplicate in vacuum jars untreated group (A) or after the following treatments: sumac group at 10% (AS), molasses group at 5% (AM), and sumac (10%) and molasses (5%) group (ASM). Silos (n = 64) were stored for 0, 21, 45or 60 days. The results showed that dry matter (DM) contents of the AS, AMandASM groups were statistically higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Only on the 21st day of fermentation the crude ash content of the AS group was found to be significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matterdegradation values of the AMS group increased significantly (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in alfalfa silage's pH values was determined with sumac and molasses additives (p < 0.001). The ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) values of the control, AS, AMandASM groups at Day 60 were determined as 9.08%, 7.22%, 7.00%and 6.81%respectively (p < 0.05). The water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) values of all groups on the 60th day were significantly decreased compared to the 0th day (p < 0.001). When the groups were evaluated within themselves, there was a statistically significant difference between the 0th and 60th day lactic acid values. The acetic acid content of the A group on the 60th day was found to be significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in propionic acid levels on Days 21, 45and60 compared to Day 0 of fermentation (p < 0.001). The highest butyric acid (BA) level was determined in the A group on the 21st, 45thand60th days of fermentation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sumac prevents proteolysis depending on its tannin content. It improves silage fermentation positively thanks to its organic acid content, while the molasses additive is effective in silage fermentation, mainly depending on the WSC level. However, it was determined that neither additive could reduce the silage pH to the appropriate value ranges due to the low doses, and they could not mainly prevent the formation of BA.

The Effect of Fermented Rice Bran of The Silage of Cow’s Rumen with Different Storage Time on The Physical Quality, pH and Nutrient Content of Silage

This study, conducted from March to May 2023, aimed to assess the impact of fermented rice bran from cow rumen contents on silage quality, pH, and nutrient content with varying storage times. The experiment took place in Porame Village, Central Sulawesi Province, and Tadulako University's Feed Nutrition Laboratory. The study used molasses, rice bran, EM4, water, and cow rumen waste as materials. Employing a complete randomized design with a 2x3 factorial pattern, the study had 6 treatment combinations and 24 experimental units. Factors included fermented and unfermented rice bran ratios mixed with cow rumen content, and storage times (21, 25, and 30 days). Results from SPSS analysis indicated no significant interaction between fermented rice bran and storage time regarding physical quality and nutrient content. However, the pH of silage was significantly affected. Fermented rice bran (A2) led to a notable pH reduction compared to non-fermented rice bran (A1). In summary, this study concluded that while there's no substantial interaction effect on physical quality and nutrient content, pH measurements are impacted by the use of fermented rice bran.

Effects of Different Mixture Ratios of Common Vetch and Triticale on Forage Yield and Silage Quality

In order to obtain high amounts and quality forage in legume grain mixtures, the mixture ratios must be adjusted well. Since grains are tillered due to their physiology, their ratios in roughage are different from the mixing ratios in planting. This is a factor that increases roughage yield and reduces crude protein rate and yield. In addition, in cases where grains are insufficient in terms of minerals in animal nutrition and are planted in mixtures with legumes, the rapid development and high yield effects of grains should be combined with the balanced nutrition potential of legumes in order to obtain better quality feed. In this study, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 75% Vetch + 25% Triticale, 50% Vetch + 50% Triticale, 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale were planted in Sakarya conditions and the effect of the mixture ratios on grass yield was revealed. Additionally, silage was made from the mixtures obtained and the effect of the applied mixture ratios on silage quality was determined. Field trials of the research were carried out in the trial areas of Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. In the experiment, plant height, green and dry forage yield observations were taken. At the end of the maturation period, silage was made in 2 kilogram containers from each parcel as a silage quality criterion; silage dry matter ratio, silage pH, crude protein ratio, ADF and NDF observations were taken. By calculating the physical and sensory analyzes and flieg point used to determine silage quality, the silages obtained from the mixtures were defined in detail by chemical, physical and sensory analyzes and the flieg point. In the study, the highest green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF ratio and flieg point were obtained from 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Triticale and 50% Vetch+50% Triticale mixtures, respectively.

Bacterial inoculants and enzymes based silage cocktails boost the ensiling quality of biomasses from reed, corn and rice straw

This study investigated the effects of bacterial inoculants and enzyme-based silage cocktails on the dynamics of fermentation, microbiome, and nutritional value of silages produced from low-quality biomasses of reed, rice, and corn straw. A 90-day ensiling trial was performed using five distinct combinations of six basal bacterial species (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida utilis) and three basal enzymes (xylanase, β-mannanase, and glucanase). Each type of biomass was ensiled with six different treatments, including the Control treatment without an ensiling agent, the basal silage cocktail treatment (Mesa), and Mesa with a double dose of A. niger (MesaA), B. subtilis (MesaB), C. utilis (MesaC) and glucanase (MesaG). The “Mesa” contained (per kg silage), 1.0 × 106 CFU of L. plantarum, 1.4 × 107 CFU L. buchneri, 3.0 × 105 CFU P. pentosaceus, 8.0 × 108 CFU A. niger, 1.6 × 106 CFU B. subtilis and 1.0 × 109 CFU C. utilis, three enzymes (5.0 × 104 U xylanase, 2.5 × 103 U β-mannanase, and 1.0 × 104 U glucanase), and 20 mL molasses. Addition of the silage cocktails significantly improved the fermentation and nutritional quality of the reed, corn, and rice straw silages. Notably, the silage cocktails increased (P < 0.01) the contents of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE), lactic acid (LA), ratio of LA to total acids and ensiling comprehensive evaluation scores, and decreased (P < 0.01) the contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and pH of reed, corn, and rice straw silages. Regarding the silage microbiome, silage cocktails decreased the relative abundance of Enterobacter and Rahnella1, and increased the relative abundance of Leuconostoc. A. niger, and B. subtilis had a strong positive correlation with CP, EE, GE and Lactobacillus, and a negative correlation with pH, Rhizobium, and Rahnella1 in reed, corn and rice straw silages. In comparison, C. utilis had a strong positive correlation with EE, and a negative correlation with pH, Rhizobium, Stenotrophomonas, and Rahnella1. Glucanase was positively correlated with LA, EE and GE, and negatively correlated with pH and Rahnella1. Silage quality characteristics and microbiome did not differ (P > 0.05) due to the composition of silage cocktails. Based on the comprehensive membership function analysis, the silage comprehensive evaluation scores were highest for double doses of B. subtilis and glucanase for reed, corn, and rice straw. This study revealed that silage cocktails upgraded straw silage fermentation and nutritional quality, and provided a practical solution for the optimal utilization of low-quality straw biomass.Graphical

Effect of pineapple peel addition on sorghum ensilage

Silage mixed with forage and byproducts is an alternative nutritional strategy for ruminant production. This study aimed to characterize chemical–nutritional aspects, fermentative profile, and digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage with different contents of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) peel inclusion at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% of fresh matter. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates per treatment. Mixed feeds were ensiled in experimental silos for 65 days, subsequently opened, and samples were analysed. The increase in the proportions of pineapple peel caused a linear increase in dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, ether extract, soluble carbohydrate, cellulose, lignin, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter in sorghum silage. The mean concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) had a negative quadratic relationship with the inclusion of pineapple peel, reducing from 0% to 40% (-2.56% for NDF and -3.14% for ADF) followed by stabilization at subsequent contents. Silage pH was not influenced, however, acetic and propionic acids increased linearly, while butyric acid decreased linearly with pineapple peel inclusion. The highest losses in gases and effluents were obtained in silage with 0% pineapple peel inclusion (1.77% of dry matter and 4.06 kg t-1 of dry matter), which resulted in lower dry matter recovery (93.56%). Adding pineapple peel to sorghum benefits composition, fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and decreases silage losses. An inclusion of 40–80% sorghum can be recommended.

Comparison of the Chemical and Microbial Composition and Aerobic Stability of High-Moisture Barley Grain Ensiled with Either Chemical or Viable Lactic Acid Bacteria Application

This experiment was aimed at comparing how a chemical additive or an inoculant would affect the dry matter (DM) losses, fermentation pattern, yeast and mold counts, and aerobic stability (AS) of the ensiled high-moisture barley grain (675 g kg−1 DM). Crimped barley grain was ensiled with or without chemical additive AIV Ässä Na and an inoculant SiloSolve FC, totaling three treatments (1 × 3 factorial scheme) for the fermentation periods lasting 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days. The application of a chemical additive showed higher pH levels, retained water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) better, lowered DM loss, and reduced concentrations of fermentation products. Barley grain treated with chemicals initially showed a marked reduction in yeast and fungal growth and a higher AS up to day 60 of storage but became less effective in later stages of storage, leading to decreased AS. Barley grain inoculated with homo- and heterofermentative strains had decreased silage pH; its WSC content was similar to control and had higher content of weak acids and 1,2 propanediol, reducing mold and yeast counts. With fermentation duration from 28 days and beyond (i.e., 90 days), the inoculant treatment achieved the longest AS and the lowest increase in pH and weight loss during the period of air exposure.