Determination of the Effects on Silage Quality of Different Additives Added to Vetch-Triticale Silage Mixture

Abstract

This research was conducted at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture’ Field Crops Laboratory. The aim of the study to determine the effects of three different silage additives (molasses (M), whey (W), and citrus pulp (CiP)), added to pure and mixtures of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)+triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) in different proportions on silage quality. The plants materials under investigation were mixed in ratios of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Silages and mixtures were established with three replications, and three different silage additives were applied to each mixture. These additives included 4% molasses, 3% whey, and 2% citrus pulp. Silages were analyzed for crude protein (CrP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter (DM), pH, crude ash (CA), as well as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) contents. Additionally, flieg score and physical analysis criteria (odor, color, and structure) were determined. Considering the interaction of silage mixture ratio and additive, statistically significant differences were observed among silages in parameters such as CP, K, P, and pH at a 1% level and among silages in parameters such as CA, ADF, NDF, Ca, Mg, and DM at a 5% level. As a result of the analysis, the highest CP, ADF and NDF content; Obtained from 17.51% silage mixture (75%V+25%T)+CiP, 40.81% from silage mixture (50%V+50%T)+M and 57.46% from silage mixture (50%V+50%T)+CiP were respectively. According to physical analysis criteria; It was determined that silage quality varied between 3.75-18.25. In parallel with the increase in the vetch ratio in the silage mixture; It was determined that the contents of crude protein, crude ash, K, P, Mg and Ca were positively affected, while the pH value was negatively affected. It was observed that the NDF content was low and the Mg content was high in the silages to which molasses was added. Consequently, it can be said that making silage in the form of a legume-cereal mixture rather than in pure form positively affects silage quality, and the addition of additives to mixed silages has a positive effect on silage quality.