Effect of ensiling corn stover with legume herbages in different proportions on fermentation characteristics, nutritive quality and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

In order to evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of corn (Zea mays L.) stover silage mixed with legume herbages in Tibet, corn stover was ensiled with four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30% of fresh weight) of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), respectively. The silos were opened after 45 days of ensiling, and the fermentation characteristics, nutritive quality and in vitro digestibility of the mixed silages were analyzed. The results showed that the inclusion of legumes could somewhat improve the corn stover silage quality, as indicated by significantly (P < 0.05) higher lactic acid and crude protein contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid, and significantly (P < 0.05) lower amylase‐treated neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents, while the corn stover silage containing 10% common vetch performed best, as indicated by significantly (P < 0.05) higher in vitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. These results suggest that mixing legumes to corn stover before ensiling appears to be a feasible strategy to improve the nutritive quality of mixed silage.

Effects of additives on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves silage

“…These results were in accordance with Filya et al [23], who found WSC remaining in alfalfa silage were significantly higher in non-inoculated control than those in the LAB-inoculated counterpart after ensiling. During ensiling M silage showed highest WSC concentration, which might be attributed to the weak conversion efficiency of WSC by epiphytic LAB resulting in more WSC being retained in the silage [24].…”

The effects of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from various substrates on the fermentation quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in Tibet

“…Buffering capacity and ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N) were determined according to Chen et al (2014). Organic acid contents were analyzed according to Wang et al (2017).…”

“…It is thus significant to explore the micro‐organism resource on the Tibetan Plateau. However, the cold and arid continental climates, poor soil and short growing seasons limit the forage yield in most areas of Tibet, resulting in malnutrition and poor production performance of livestock (Wang, Yuan, Dong, Li, & Shao, ). Therefore, forage preservation is a desirable strategy for sustainable development of livestock production in Tibet.…”

Effects of storage temperature and combined microbial inoculants on fermentation end products and microbial populations of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.) silage

“…Buffering capacity and ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N) were determined according to Chen et al (2014). Organic acid contents were analysed according to Wang et al (2017).…”