Survey of the in vitro nutritional value of total mixed rations silage with fresh chopped alfalfa forage at two levels of dry matter and crude protein

Authors

1 Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Professor of Animal Science Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman. Iran

3 National Animal Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman. Iran

Abstract

Background and objectives: There is little information about the effect of total mixed rations silage (TMRS) based on alfalfa on nutrient changes, gas production and laboratory digestibility in a certain period of time. On the other hand, due to the wrong way of storing alfalfa in Iran, the main part of its protein is lost, which is in the leaves of plant. In addition, when it is not possible to dry hay, it is necessary to provide a suitable method for its storage. Also, the use of TMRS leads to better feed management and preservation of its nutritional value. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutritional value and the trend of nutrient changes of TMRS based on alfalfa.

Materials and methods: The feed ingredients of each ration were mixed together based on the determined percentages for 100 kg. Then they were ensiled in experimental silos with a weight capacity of 2.5 kg. Experimental rations include: 1) TMRS with 35% dry matter ((DM) and 14.5% crude protein (CP), 2) TMRS with 35% DM and 13% CP, 3) TMRS with 40% DM and 14.5% CP, and 4) TMRS with 40% DM and 13% CP. Diets were stored separately, completely mixed in 5 experimental silos. After of 30, 45 and 60 days, the silos were opened and the visual-sensory evaluation, properties and pH of the experimental treatments were performed. DM, organic matter (OM), CP, fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ammonia nitrogen and lactic acid were measured. The volume of gas production in the experimental diets was measured, and then using the information obtained from the gas test, the kinetics of fermentation and gas volume, gas production parameters, gas production efficiency, short chain fatty acids, organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) were determined.

Results: The results of this research showed that on 0, 30, 45 and 60 days after ensiling, the DM of the rations was affected by the level of DM and the highest amount of DM was observed in the ration containing 40% DM (P<0.05). On the 0, 30, 45 and 60 days after ensiling, OM of the rations was affected by interaction effects, and the highest amount of OM related to the ration contained 40% DM and 13% CP, also affected by the main effects and the highest value of OM was in the diet containing 13% CP and the diet containing 40% DM (P<0.05). On the 60 day after ensiling, the NDF of the rations was affected by interaction effects, and the highest amount of NDF was related to the ration containing 40% DM and 14.5% CP (P<0.05). On the 0 day after ensiling, the ADF of the rations was affected by intraction effects, and the highest amount of ADF was related to the ration containing 40% DM and 13% CP (P<0.05). On the 0 and 60 days after ensiling, the highest gas production potential was related to the diet containing 40% DM and 14.5% CP (P<0.05). The flieg point of TMRS on the 45 and 60 days after ensiling was affected by the main effects and the interaction effects, and the highest value was related to the ration containing 40% DM and 14.5% CP (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the TMRS with 40% DM and 14.5% CP had higher DM, OM, flieg point and sensory evaluation than other rations. In terms of quality, this ration showed a better condition than other rations. Totally, it can be used as a suitable method for preserving alfalfa hay with minimal loss of nutrients in livestock rations.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Ruminant Research
Volume 12, Issue 2
September 2024
Pages 77-96

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