Digestibility Of Silage Research Articles

Effects of Different Additives on the Chemical Composition, Fermentation Profile, In Vitro and In Situ Digestibility of Paper mulberry Silage

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) plants are served as a local roughage in China, and they are mostly processed as silage for ruminants. This study aimed to explore the effects of different silage additives on the chemical composition, fermentation profile, as well as the in vitro and in situ digestibility of paper mulberry (PM) silage. Four groups consisting of PM silage, three with additives and one without any additives as the control group (CON), were established. The three experimental groups with additives were set up as follows: CON with 5 × 106 CFU per gram of fresh PM weight of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum) (LAB); CON with 3% fresh PM weight of molasses (MOL) added to the PM silage; and CON with both LAB and MOL added (LM). After 45 days of ensiling at 20 °C, all of the PM treatment groups increased their ash content and decreased their water-soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the pH and NH3-N content of the PM silage were lower in the additive treatment groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Lactic acid in the LM group was the highest (p < 0.05) among the four groups, and trace amounts of butyric acid was detected only in the CON group. In vitro dry matter digestibility was similar among all groups. Results of the in situ experiment found that the effective digestibility of the PM silage dry matter, as well as the acid detergent fiber digestibility was higher in the LM group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of LAB, MOL, and their combination can improve PM silage fermentation and improve the in situ digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber; however they do not affect in the vitro digestibility of PM silage.

Fermentation quality, nutritive value and in vitro ruminal digestion of Napier grass, sugarcane top and their mixed silages prepared using lactic acid bacteria and formic acid

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the fermentation quality, nutritive value and in vitro ruminal digestion of silages produced with mixtures of Napier grass (NG) and sugarcane top (ST) in five different ratios of fresh matter: 100:0 (N100), 75:25 (N75), 50:50 (N50), 25:75 (N25) and 0:100 (N0) with or without lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and formic acid (FA). The NG contained a higher crude protein (CP) content and buffering capacity, but lower dry matter (DM), organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and water‐soluble carbohydrates contents than ST. The N25 silage fermented well, with a significantly higher lactic acid (LA) content (p < .05) and lower pH and NH3‐N concentration than those of other mixed silages (p < .05). The FA addition resulted in the highest CP content and lowest pH, LA, acetic acid (AA) and NH3‐N contents, while LAB addition resulted in the highest LA content compared with other treatments. Although in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) did not significantly differ among the mixed silages (p > .05), mixing with ST and adding LAB or FA increased the IVDMD. Gas production (GP) and AA content of N25 silages were significantly higher than those of other silages (p < .05). The LAB‐ or FA‐treated silages had higher IVDMD, GP, total volatile fatty acid and AA contents (p < .05) but lower pH compared with the control silage (p < .05). These results demonstrated that NG utilization improved upon mixing with ST due to the enhanced fermentation during ensiling, and the optimum mixing ratio for NG and ST was 25:75 on FM basis. Using LAB and FA as additives during ensiling can improve silage fermentation quality and in vitro ruminal digestion.

Effects of Adding Ethanol Extract of Propolis on the Fermentation Quality, Aerobic Stability, Fatty Acid Profile, and In Vitro Digestibility of Alfalfa Silages

This study was planned to determine the effects of ethanol extract of propolis on the fermentation quality, fatty acid profile, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silages. The ethanol extract of propolis was added to alfalfa at levels of 1000 mg/kg (PROP1), 2000 mg/kg (PROP2), and 3000 mg/kg (PROP3); propolis was not added to the control (CON) group. After the propolis was added, the pH value of the alfalfa silage declined, and the crude protein content was effectively preserved (p < 0.05). Adding propolis to alfalfa silages caused crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p < 0.05) to decrease. The ethanol extract of propolis significantly improved the lactic acid content and reduced the NH3-N content (p < 0.05). Propolis significantly improved the unsaturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05) and reduced the saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). In addition, propolis significantly improved the relative feed value, the digestibility of the organic matter, and the in vitro metabolic energy content (p < 0.05). These results show that the ethanol extract of propolis improves the silage quality of last cutting alfalfa silages, and has potential as an antimicrobial silage additive.

Lactational performance, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows fed whole-plant faba bean silage-based diet with fibrolytic enzyme

Whole-plant faba bean silage has a high content in indigestible fiber. Improvement of fiber digestibility of faba bean silage would benefit animal production. However, there is no study on pretreating fibrolytic enzyme in whole-plant faba bean silage-based diet for dairy cows on animal performance. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of pretreating whole-plant faba bean silage-baseddiet with fibrolytic enzyme (a mixture of xylanase and cellulase; AB Vista, UK) derived from Trichoderma reesei(FETR) on lactational performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and feeding behavior of dairy cows. The animal trial was conducted using eight lactating Holstein cows (BW = 710 ± 44 kg and Days in Milk (DIM) = 121 ± 17 days) with four levels of FETR (0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mL of FETR/kg DM of silage) in a replicated Latin square design. These enzyme treatments were selected based on the previous in situ and in vitro findings that showed positive responses to the whole-plant faba bean silage. The enzyme treatments were directly applied on the silage prior to mixing process. The total mixed rations contained 31% of faba bean silage, 14% of grass hay, 3.5% of straw, 30% of barley and corn grain and 21.5% of concentrate. There was no significant difference of applying FETR on nutrient intake (P > 0.05) except for CP intake, which was reduced in FETR group compared to control (P < 0.01, 4.4 vs 4.54 kg/d). There was a linear effect found in NDF digestibility when treated with FETR, where maximum improvement was achieved with 0.5 mL of FETR application. The milk fat yield, percentage of milk fat and fat-corrected milk were linearly affected by the increasing level of enzyme. The cows fed a diet supplemented with enzymes tended to have a lower milk fat. Feed efficiency linearly responded to incremental levels of FETR. There was no enzyme effect on feeding behavior and nitrogen balance and utilization. Results from this study indicated that supplementing fibrolytic enzyme on whole-plant faba bean silage diets for dairy cows improved lactational performance, intake and digestibility with 0.5 mL of FETR application. However, adding higher enzyme level resulted in negative effects on animal performance.

Assessment of organic acid salts on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of total mixed ration silage.

The work aimed to investigate the effects of four organic acid salts on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage prepared with citric acid residue, wet brewers' grains, and Napier grass. The TMR was ensiled with the following: (1) no additives (control), (2) 0.1% sodium benzoate (SB), (3) 0.1% potassium sorbate (PS), (4) 0.5% sodium diacetate (SDA), (5) 0.5% calcium propionate (CAP) on a fresh weight basis. All silos (10 L) were opened after 60days of ensiling to determine fermentation profiles and in vitro rumen digestibility, and then were subjected to a 9-day aerobic stability test. Four organic acid salts significantly (p < 0.05) increased dry matter contents, lactic acid bacteria count, and decreased ethanol content and yeast count compared with the control. The SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) increased water-soluble carbohydrates, lactic acid, and crude protein contents, and decreased pH, ammonia nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose contents compared with other TMR silages after 60days of ensiling. Organic acid salts significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the hours of aerobic stability and significantly (p < 0.05) increased cumulative gas production and potential gas production compared with the control. The treatments of SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) improved aerobic stability as indicated by higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrates contents, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, ammonia nitrogen, ethanol contents, and yeast count compared with the control. The treatments of SDA and CAP significantly (p < 0.05) increased in vitro rumen parameters, as indicated by higher (p < 0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber after 60days of ensiling. Overall, these results indicated that the addition of SDA and CAP could ensure the good fermentation quality and improve aerobic stability of TMR silages. By comprehensive consideration, CAP was recommended for improving fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro rumen digestibility of TMR silages prepared with wet brewers' grains, citric acid residue, and Napier grass.

Effects of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves extract on methanogenesis, microbial community in the rumen and digestibility of stylo silage

Methane emission from the ruminants is not only a significant amount of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change but also a reduction in feed efficacy. Mitigation of ruminal CH4 emission is a great challenge for cleaner livestock production. It is difficult to reduce CH4 production without any adverse effects on feed digestion. The present investigation was conducted to explore the sustainable mitigation of ruminal CH4 production with positive effects on feed digestibility using Neolamarckia cadamba leaves extract (NE). Stylo was added and ensiled with or without 1% and 2% NE, and the silage was engaged in vitro ruminal fermentation. Metagenomics was used to analyze the microbial communities and functional genes. The results indicated that the addition of 1% and 2% NE decreased (P < 0.001) CH4 production significantly and increased (P < 0.001) dry matter digestibility at the same time. The concentrations of volatile fatty acids were not altered by NE. Some genes related to glycoside hydrolases, glycosyl transferases, carbohydrate-binding modules were upregulated by 2%NE. The addition of NE showed little influence on the ruminal microbial community, but reduced (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter, especially the Methanobrevibacter curvatus, which was positively correlated (correlation = 0.561, P = 0.011) with the ruminal CH4 production. In CH4 metabolism, genes related to the serine pathway were highly detected. The addition of NE inhibited (P < 0.05) CH4 metabolism by downregulating the great majority of involved genes. In conclusion, the present study provides new insights into the pathway of CH4 metabolism and useful information for understanding and controlling ruminal CH4 production in livestock production. The addition of NE might be a sustainable option to reduce CH4 while enhancing animal feed utilization efficiency. It could be used as a pronounced cleaner way for the ecosystem as well as livestock.

EFFECT of digestates derived from the fermentation of maize-legume intercropped culture and maize monoculture application on soil properties and plant biomass production

BackgroundThe use of maize-legume mixed culture to produce renewable energy and fertilizers by anaerobic fermentation (AD), while respecting soil quality is a favourable approach in sustainable farming. This paper investigates how the substrate (silage) composition affects the quality of digestate and thus its effect on selected soil parameters (respiration, content of carbon and nitrogen). The high content of remaining nutrients (mainly N) in the AD residual biomass of digestate may increase the biomass of amended plants. One objective of this study was to determine the composition of different digestates produced by anaerobic fermentation of the biomass of intercropped (mixed) cultures. Other objectives focused the digestate impact on soil properties and yield of tested plant (lettuce) in a pot experiment, carried out under controlled conditions in the growth chamber for 6 weeks. Variants tested in the pot experiment included negative control, maize (Zea mays L.) digestate, broad bean (Vicia faba L.) digestate, white lupine (Lupinus albus L.) digestate, maize + broad bean digestate, maize + white lupine digestate.ResultsAs compared to maize, silage from the mixed culture (or legumes) positively affected the properties of digestate (content of N, P, K, Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). The effect of digestate application on soil parameters depended on the digestate composition: the highest basal respiration was induced by digestates with the increased content of dry matter and ADF – maize + broad bean and white lupine. The broad bean variant showed glucose-induced respiration 0.75 (μg CO2·g-1 h-1), while the lowest value was in the maize variant (0.45 μg CO2·g-1 h-1). The application of digestate derived from the mixed culture increased the plant biomass more than that of single maize silage digestate (+ 14% in the maize + broad bean variant and + 33% in the maize + white lupine variant).ConclusionsA potential was found of silage made of leguminous plants to increase the digestate N content. Nevertheless, it is desirable to increase the C/N ratio by raising the amount of C containing substances. Fertilization with digestate showed a potential to increase the plant biomass (compared to the unfertilized control); however, differences among the individual digestates were not observed. The benefit of legume added to the maize-based silage was proven, especially the contribution of nutrients to arable soil.Graphical abstract

The Effect of Different Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculants on Silage Quality, Phenolic Acid Profiles, Bacterial Community and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristic of Whole Corn Silage

Corn silage is an important source of forage, but whether or not bacterial inoculants should be applied is somewhat controversial in ruminant feeding practice. In the present study, chopped whole corn plants treated with a single inoculant of Lactobacillus buchneri (LB), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) served as either homofermentation (e.g., lactate only) or heterofermentation (e.g., lactate and acetate) controls and compared with those treated with either a mixture of the lactic acid bacteria (QA: 60% LP, 10%PP, 30% LB) or a mixture of the lactic acid bacteria (QB: 60% LP, 15% PP, 25% LB), to investigate their effects on the fermentation quality, ester-linked phenolic acids, and in vitro digestibility. After 60 day ensiling, the addition of QA exhibited the lowest pH (3.51) with greater lactic acid (LA) production. The ester-linked ferulic acid (FAest) and p-coumaric acid (pCAest) concentrations were significantly decreased during 60 days ensiling. And among all these groups, the LB and QA treated group showed a lower concentration of FAest and pCAest than other groups. After 60 days ensiling, Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in all LAB treated groups. Meanwhile, negative correlations of Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Roseburia with FAest content after 60 days ensiling occurred in the present study. Komagataeibacter was mainly found in LB and PP addition silages, and presented a significant negative effect with the level of acid detergent fiber (ADF). To explore whether the addition of LABs can improve digestibility of whole corn silage, an in vitro rumen fermentation was conducted using the 60 day ensiled whole corn silages as substrates. The QA addition group exhibited a greater 48 h and 96 h in vitro dry matter and ADF disappearance, greater 48 h gas production and less methane emissions. Even though there were the same neutral NDF levels in corn silages treated with LB and QA after 60 days ensiling, the QA treated silages with lower FAest and pCAest presented higher IVDMD after 96 h and 48 h in vitro fermentation. In brief, the addition of mixed inoculants of 60% LB,10% PP, 30% LB compared with the addition of whichever single HoLAB or HeLAB inoculants, facilitated the release of ester-linked phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic and p-coumaric acids) and remarkably, improved silage quality in terms of sharp pH decline and greater lactate production. Taken together with the improvement in rumen microbial fermentation, the results obtained in the present study provided concrete evidence for the role of mixed LAB application in corn silage preparation for ruminant feeding practices.

Substitution of various agricultural by-products improves fermentation profile and in vitro digestibility of rice straw silage

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of substituting rice straw with citrus pulp (CRP), sweet potato peels (SPP) and vines (SPV) on fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility when ensiled with or without wet brewers' grains (WBG). Seven treatments were set as follows: (i) rice straw only (control); (ii) 800 g rice straw/kg + 200 g CRP/kg (RC); (iii) 720 g rice straw/kg + 180 g CRP/kg + 100 g WBG/kg (RC+); (iv) 800 g rice straw/kg + 200 g SPP/kg (RP); (v) 720 g rice straw + 180 g SPP/kg + 100 g WBG/kg (RP+); (vi) 800 g rice straw/kg + 200 g SPV/kg (RV); (vii) 720 g rice straw/kg + 180 g SPV/kg + 100 g WBG/kg (RV+). After ensiling for 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, silos were opened for fermentation profile, aerobic stability and in vitro parameter analyses. All substitution types improved fermentation quality, characterized by significantly lower pH and NH3-N content, higher lactic acid content and V-scores. WBG application promoted hetero-fermentation and significantly increased DM losses, acetic acid and ethanol contents. After 60 days of ensiling, the NDF, ADF and cellulose contents in mixed silages significantly decreased compared to control. During aerobic exposure, WBG application significantly prolonged aerobic stability. SPV substitution significantly improved in vitro digestibility of dry matter, NDF and ADF. In conclusion, the SPP substitution combined with WBG application was recommended as a result of the optimal balance of fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility.

Shredlage Processing Affects the Digestibility of Maize Silage

Maize silage is one of the most important feeds for ruminant nutrition and various production methods can have a significant impact on their quality, especially the utilization of nutrients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of conventional and shredlage processing of harvested maize on kernel processing, fermentation profile, physically effective fibre and digestibility of maize silage. A stay-green maize hybrid was harvested with a conventional forage harvester (CON; theoretical length of cut 10 mm; conventional rollers with a 30% difference in roller speed; the rollers have a horizontally teeth; 1-mm roll clearance) or a shredlage processor (SHR; theoretical length of cut 25 mm; Shredlage crop processor with 50% difference in roller speed; the rollers have sawtooth teeth with a counter-rotating spiral groove; 1-mm clearance) and stored in experimental silos. The experimental silages were analysed for chemical composition (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre, starch), fermentation parameters (pH, lactate, acetate, ammonia), processing quality (kernel processing score, particle size), physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF) and in vivo nutrient digestibility. The shredlage processing (SHR) of maize plants did not have an effect on the silage fermentation profile. On the other hand, the SHR treatment significantly increased kernel processing score (p &lt; 0.01) and peNDF content (p &lt; 0.01). SHR also increased in vivo digestibility significantly, namely that of dry matter (DM), organic matter, starch, crude fibre and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). An increase in nutrient digestibility leads to higher values of NEL. The presented results show positive effects of shredlage processing on quality and digestibility of maize silage.

Effects of wet brewers grains on fermentation quality and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace in southeast China.

The effects of wet brewers grains (WBG) on fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal digestibility of mixed silages prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato peel were evaluated. A mixture of corn stalk, sweet potato peel and dried apple pomace (50/30/20) was ensiled with 0, 10%, 20% and 30% WBG on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30 days respectively. The results showed that the application of WBG increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid, acetic acid and total volatile fatty acids contents, and decreased (p < 0.05) pH, dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates content and ammonia-nitrogen/total nitrogen during ensiling. The pH in all silages was below 4.03 during ensiling. Treating with WBG increased (p < 0.05) crude protein content, and decreased (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose content after 30 days of ensiling. After 72 h of incubation, cumulative gas production, potential gas production and in vitro crude protein digestibility increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing proportions of WBG. However, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre, and metabolisable energy were similar in all silages. The 20% and 30% WBG-treated silages showed better fermentation quality and greater or higher in vitro digestibility, which were indicated by greater or higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, in vitro crude protein digestibility, and lower (p < 0.05) pH, ammonia-nitrogen/total nitrogen ratio as compared with the control. Therefore, ensiling agro-food by-products with at least 20% WBG were recommended for improving fermentation quality.

PENGARUH PERBEDAAN VARIETAS DAN STARTER PADA SILASE TEBON JAGUNG TERHADAP KECERNAAN BAHAN KERING DAN KECERNAAN BAHAN ORGANIK SECARA IN VITRO

This study aimed to determine the dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in forage corn silage with two varieties (BISI-18 and NK-212) given two types of starter (molasses and bran). This research was conducted in May—August 2019 at the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. In vitro analysis of dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility by Tilley and Terry (1963). The experimental design used was factorial 2x2 in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with 3 replications. The factors studied were (1) corn stover varieties which consisted of two varieties (BISI-18 and NK-212) and (2) starter which consisted of two types of starter (molasses and bran). The results of this study indicate that there was no interaction (P&gt;0,05) between the use of varieties of corn forage and starter sugar cane the dry matter digestibility, and organic matter digestibility. Duncan furher test, the use of different corn forage varieties has a significant effect (P&lt;0,05) on silage the the dry matter digestibility, and organic matter digestibility. The best DMD value is found in the BISI-18 variety (59.07%) and The best OMD value is found in the BISI-18 variety (58.20%). The use of different types of starter has no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the determine the dry matter digestibility, and organic matter digestibility of silage.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Corn Forage, Digestion, Dry matter, Organic matter, Silage

Effects of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzyme Derived from Trichoderma reesei on Rumen Degradation Characteristics and Degradability of Low-Tannin Whole Plant Faba Bean Silage in Dairy Cows

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme derived from Trichoderma reesei on dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradability of whole plant faba bean silage (Snowbird), (2) evaluate the effects of fibrolytic enzyme (FETR) on DM and NDF degradation kinetics of whole plant faba bean silage, and (3) compare the difference between in the vitro approach (DaisyII incubation method) and the in situ assay-biological approach (nylon bag technique) in the determination of degradability of dry matter (DMD) and neutral detergent fibre (NDFD). The fibrolytic enzyme from Trichoderma reesei was a mixture of xylanase and cellulase. The whole plant faba bean silage was treated with seven doses of fibrolytic enzyme, with 0 as a control and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 mL of FETR/kg DM of silage. The results obtained from the in situ method show that fibrolytic enzyme cubically (p &lt; 0.05) affected DMD and quadratically (p &lt; 0.01) affected NDFD with increasing level of enzyme application. In vitro DM and NDF degradability were quadratically and cubically (p &lt; 0.01) affected by the increasing dosage of enzyme. Correlation analysis between the in situ assay-biological approach and the In vitro DaisyII approach showed a strong correlation (r = 0.98, p &lt; 0.01) on overall DMD and also a satisfactory relationship (r = 0.84, p &lt; 0.01) was found on overall NDFD. The enzyme application showed a great impact on NDF rumen degradation kinetics by decreasing the undegradable fraction and increasing the potential degradable fraction and the effective degradable content of fiber. The washable (W) and potential degradation fraction (D) were linearly (p = 0.05) increased by the enzyme treatments. Therefore, the undegradable fraction was linearly decreased (p = 0.05) with increasing dosage of enzyme. Both bypass (BNDF) and effective degradable NDF (EDNDF) were cubically (p = 0.05) affected by fibrolytic enzyme. In conclusion, the exogenous fibrolytic enzyme derived from Trichoderma reesei highly impacted rumen degradation characteristics and degradability of whole plant faba bean silage and could be used to improve fibre digestion of whole plant faba silage in dairy cows.

Evaluation of silage from maize stover, maize husk and Andropogon gayanus in equal level with Tephrosia bracteolata as feed for West African Dwarf sheep.

The study investigated the nutritive composition as well as acceptability of ensiled roughages comprising Andropogon gayanus (AG), maize husk (MH), maize stover (MS) and their mixtures in equal proportion with Tephrosia bracteolata (TB) by West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Seven treatment diets were formulated comprising AG: 100% Andropogon gayanus, MH: 100% maize husk, MS: 100% maize stover, TB: 100% Tephrosia bracteolata, AG + TB: 50% Andropogon gayanus + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata, MS + TB: 50% maize husk + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata, MS + TB: 50% maize stover + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata. The experiment was completely randomized in design. Significant variations were observed in the chemical composition of the plant materials before and after ensiling. It was revealed that Tephrosia bracteolata, prior to ensiling, had the highest crude protein (CP) content, lowest crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Similar trend was observed in the chemical composition of Tephrosia bracteolata after ensiling. Inclusion of Tephrosia bracteolata in the roughages improved their nutritional quality. All the silage treatments presented good physical characteristics. The acceptability of the silage by 12 WAD sheep ranked thus: TB > MS + TB > AG + TB > AG > MS > MH + TB > MH. Silage digestibility was highest (66.60%) in TB, closely followed by MH + TB (62.67%) and least in MS. It was concluded that WAD sheep production could be enhanced by feeding ensiled maize plant residues alone or in combination with Tephrosia bracteolata during the lean season.

Investigations into Feed Value of Hippomarathrum microcarpum (Bieb) Fedtsch silages

The aim of this study was to determine chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility and energy contents of H. microcarpum silage. H. microcarpum was harvested at growing stage. Forage was chopped and divided into trial two groups for the control and 5% molasses. H. microcarpum ensiled in special 1.0 liter anaerobic jars. Chemical and in vitro cellulase method were conducted on the silage which was opened on the 60th day of storage. According to the analysis of the control, 5% mollases treatments, dry matter reached 18.97%, 23.41% and metabolisable energy reached 7.65, 9.81 MJ/kg KM; while organic matter digestibility was 55.50% and 72.35%, respectively. In conclusion, addition of molasses can increase dry matter content and organic matter digestibility of canola silage.

Bakteriyel İnokulantların Çavdar (Secale cereale L.) Hasılı Silajlarında Fermantasyon, Aerobik Stabilite ve Yem Değeri Üzerine Etkileri

This study was carried out to determine the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants and lactic acid bacteria+enzymes (LAB+E) inoculant on the fermentation, aerobic stability, and feed value of rye silages. Whole crop rye was harvested at dough stage. Biosil (Wuthenow, Germany), Silaprilis Pro (Timac Agro, USA) and Sil-All (Allteck, UK) were used as lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture inoculants. Inoculants were applied to silages at 6.00 log10 cfu/g levels. After the treatment, alfalfa was ensiled in 1.0-L special polyethylene vacuum bags. The bags were stored at 20±2°C under the laboratory conditions. Three bags from each group were sampled for chemical and microbiological analyses 2, 4, 8 and 75th days after ensiling. At the end of the ensiling period, all silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test for 5 days. In addition, in vitro dry matter, and organic matter digestibility of experiment silages were determined. The results showed that lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture inoculants increased characteristics of fermentation and aerobic stability of rye silages. Lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture inoculants decreased neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and celluloses content in the silages. Lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture inoculants increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility and metaboze energy of rye silages. Therefore, lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture inoculants might improve the fermentation properties and feed values of rye silages harvested at dough stage.

Effects of whey powder on fermentation quality, nutritive value, and digestibility of alfalfa silage

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High-digestible silages allow low concentrate supply without affecting milk production or methane emissions

In this study, we tested a response function comprising responses in milk to changes in organic matter digestibility of silages and concentrate supply. We studied the effect of changes in silage digestibility and concentrate supply on milk yield, feed intake, body weight, and methane production using 60 Norwegian Red cows. The experiment was a complete randomized block design comprising 3 periods. The pre-experimental period lasted 20 d and all the cows were fed a common silage for ad libitum intake and concentrate according to yield. Next, response period 1 lasted 17 d and the cows were divided into 2 treatments, where a low-digestible silage (LDS) was fed to half of the cows, and the other half were fed a high-digestible silage (HDS). Both groups were fed silage for ad libitum silage intake. Concentrate was optimized according to the yield and type of silage offered. In this period, the effect of silage was evaluated using a mixed model, including the results from pre-experimental period, with parity as a covariate and animal as a random effect. In response period 2, which lasted 20 d, the concentrate level was evaluated by dividing the silage digestibility treatments further into 3 subgroups. Concentrate was increased by 2 kg of dry matter (DM) per day, decreased by 2 kg of DM/d, or remained unchanged. In response period 1, silage treatments were optimized to obtain similar yields and resulted in a lower concentrate offer to HDS treatment. However, the HDS treatment showed a 3.0 kg of DM/d higher total feed intake due to a higher than expected silage intake. This resulted in 3.5 kg higher energy-corrected milk (ECM). Methane emissions were similar between silage treatments, but HDS showed lower methane per kilogram of DM due to its higher intake. The effect of concentrate supply level and interaction with silage digestibility was evaluated using mixed models, including the results for response period 1, with parity as a covariate and animal as a random effect. The reduction in concentrate offer by 2 kg/d in response period 2 was compensated for by increased 1.3 kg of DM/d of silage intake for HDS, resulting in similar intake (22.1 kg of DM/d and 21.7 kg of DM/d without and with concentrate reduction, respectively) and ECM yields (29.4 and 29 kg of ECM without and with concentrate reduction, respectively). However, concentrate offer reduction could not be compensated for by increased silage intake for LDS and resulted in lower milk yields (27.5 kg of ECM). Increased concentrate showed a higher marginal ECM response (kg of ECM per kg of additional concentrate intake) for LDS (1.8 vs. 3.3 kg of ECM for HDS and LDS, respectively). Thus, the drop in milk yields could be compensated for by increased concentrate offers if LDS are fed. Total methane production increased with increased concentrate intake, regardless of silage digestibility. Methane emissions per unit of milk were affected by total DM intake rather than by changes in silage digestibility and concentrate level. The results of this study are based on short-term periods and could show differences if study periods were longer; the results should be interpreted accordingly.

Effects of brewers’ spent grains on fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato vine

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of brewers’ spent grains (BSG) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro parameters of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato vine. In the experiment, a ternary mixture of corn stalk, sweet potato vine and dried apple pomace (50/30/20) was ensiled with 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% BSG on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30 days, respectively. The application of BSG significantly (p<.05) increased lactic, acetic and total volatile fatty acids content, and significantly (p<.05) decreased pH, lactic acid/acetic acid, ammonia nitrogen, dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrates content during ensiling. None or tiny amounts of propionic and butyric acid were detected in all silages. Compared with the control, higher (p<.05) Flieg points, crude protein content and lower (p<.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose content were found in BSG-treated silages on day 30 of ensiling. After 72 h of incubation, the application of BSG significantly (p<.05) increased the cumulative gas production, potential gas production, in vitro dry matter, crude protein digestibility and metabolisable energy. The 20% BSG silages had better fermentation quality and higher in vitro digestibility, as indicated by higher lactic acid content, in vitro dry matter, crude protein digestibility, metabolisable energy, lower pH, and lower ammonia nitrogen content than other silages. The application of 20% BSG was recommended to ensure good quality silages. Highlights Ensiling in the form of mixed silages is a good way to consume largely agro-food by-products. Reducing the energy waste and environmental pollution caused by high-quantity agro-food by-products. 20% brewers’ spent grains application had positive effects on in vitro parameters.

Antimicrobial effects of four chemical additives on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro ruminal digestibility of total mixed ration silage prepared with local food by-products.

The objective of the work is to evaluate the effects of four chemical additives on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro ruminal digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. TMR containing 15% spent mushroom substrate, 25% soybean sauce residue, 45% napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.), and 15% concentrate was ensiled with the following: (1) no additives (control), (2) potassium sorbate (PS, 0.1%), (3) sodium benzoate (SB, 0.1%), (4) sodium diacetate (SDA, 0.5%), and (5) calcium propionate (CAP, 0.5%) based on fresh weight. All silos (10L) were opened for fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility analysis after 60 days of ensiling, and then subjected to aerobic stability test for 9days. All TMR silages were well-conserved, as indicated by low pH, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen contents. During aerobic exposure, SDA was more stable with higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid and acetic acid contents and lower (p < 0.05) yeast counts than other TMR silages. In addition, SDA significantly (p < 0.05) increased cumulate gas production and in vitro dry matter digestibility compared with the control. Overall, SDA is recommended as additives to improve fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility, and aerobic stability of TMR silage prepared with local food by-products.