Chemical changes during ensiling of sudax fodder with broiler litter

Sudax fodder was ensiled in large trench silos with or without the addition of 30% broiler litter and 6% molasses. The samples were analysed for pH, lactic acid, nitrogen and fiber fraction at 0- and 5-day interval till 40 days. The silage containing broiler litter had higher initial and subsequent pH due to high ammonia concentration. pH of both silages had the largest drop during the first 5 days of ensiling, with corresponding increase in lactic acid. pH continued decreasing until 10 days in silage without litter and 15 days in silage containing litter. Lactic acid continued increasing in silage without litter until 15 days and with litter until 25 days of ensiling. The addition of broiler litter resulted in significantly decreased content of NDF, hemicellulose and cellulose and increased content of ADF. Ensiling period had significant effect on all the fiber fractions. Total-N content increased slightly during the ensiling process but protein-N decreased considerably at the fifth day of ensiling with simultaneous increase in ammonia-N. Later on, there was a slight reversal but it never corresponded with the initial values.