The effects of some natural additives on quality of alfalfa silage

33995

This research was carried out by using “Iside” cultivar of alfalfa at Avsar Gida Tarim Hayvancilik A.S. in Bolvadin, Afyon, Turkey. Alfalfa plants which were in the second year and the second development were harvested at 10% blooming stage. Sugar beet molasses, crushed barley seeds and whey powder were used as additives. The effects of the additives on nutrient contents, fermentation characteristics and quality of alfalfa silage were studied. After harvesting material chopped 1.5-2.0 cm sizes, the additives rates of 0, 50 and 100 g^-1 kg DM were added and processed in plastic bags at room temperature. After waiting 45 days plastic bags were opened for performing sensory and chemical analysis. In general, the additives decreased crude protein, ADF, NDF while increased DDM, DMI and RFV of the alfalfa silage. The additives, also, decreased acetic acid, butyric acid and increased lactic acid concentrations of alfalfa silage. Only whey powder increased pH value of the silage, compare to control. In the lights of the findings, it was concluded that sugar beet molasses, crushed barley seeds and whey powder can be used with appropriate doses to increase nutritional value and quality of alfalfa silage.

433

Barley , Molasses , Organic acid , Whey powder , pH

Anadolu Journal Of Agricultural Sciences

440

Anadolu Journal Of Agricultural Sciences