Effect of molasses on fermentation quality of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass

Abstract

Context Insufficient supply of silage has limited the development of animal husbandry in Tibet, where natural pasture may not meet requirements. Although wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw could be a supplementary forage, it is difficult to ensile. Mixing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and adding molasses may help to facilitate successful ensilage. Aims The objectives were to determine the proper mixing ratios of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass for silage, and to evaluate the effects of different levels of molasses on fermentation quality. Methods In Experiment 1, wheat straw was ensiled without perennial ryegrass or mixed at ratios of 4:1, 3:2 and 2:3 (fresh-weight basis). Fermentation quality was evaluated when the laboratory silos were opened after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. In Experiment 2, a mixture of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass (2:3) was treated with 0%, 3%, 4% and 5% molasses (fresh-weight basis) and ensiled. Fermentation quality was determined at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. Key results In Experiment 1, inclusion of perennial ryegrass significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrate contents and the lactic acid:acetic acid ratio, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and contents of ammonia-nitrogen, acetic acid, butyric acid and total volatile fatty acids. The 2:3 mixture of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass was judged the best, with the highest lactic acid content and lowest pH and butyric acid content (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, molasses addition significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate and dry matter contents, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and ammonia-nitrogen content compared with the control. Trace amounts of propionic and butyric acids were observed in all silages. Fermentation quality was similar among all treatments with added molasses. Conclusions Considering the costs of additives, 3% molasses was most suitable for practical application when ensiling wheat straw with perennial ryegrass at an optimum ratio of 2:3. Implications This work may help to inform producers on efficient utilisation of wheat straw for silage making by demonstrating successful ensiling with perennial ryegrass and added molasses.

Lactic Acid Bacteria and Formic Acid Improve Fermentation Quality and Beneficial Predicted Functional Characteristics in Mixed Silage Consisting of Alfalfa and Perennial Ryegrass

“…PR is a typical cultivated grass in karst areas which is not only rich in nutrients and can be used as a source of livestock forage; at the same time, it has a strong resistance to harsh environments, and is also an important resource for promoting ecological recovery [10]. PR can be stored as feed for ruminants, but the crude protein (CP) content of fresh and stored PR (100 g CP per kg DM) is not sufficient to meet nutritional requirements [11]. Previous studies have shown that the nutritional quality of PR can be improved (>200 g CP/kg DM) by adding high-CP-content forage [12].…”

Effect of Molasses Addition on the Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community during Mixed Microstorage of Seed Pumpkin Peel Residue and Sunflower Stalks

“…Molasses is commonly used as an additive in straw microsilage, boasting a high soluble carbohydrate content and containing a small amount of nutrients such as soybean flavonoids, proteins, and flavor-enhancing substances like glutamic acid and aspartic acid. This makes it suitable for application in straw fermentation feed [10][11][12][13]. In a study by W. Jian et al [14], using a mixture of rice straw, local vegetable by-products, and alfalfa in silage fermentation, concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0% molasses were, respectively, added, demonstrating an improved fermentation quality of mixed silage.…”

Fermentation quality, bacterial community, and predicted functional profiles in silage prepared with alfalfa, perennial ryegrass and their mixture in the karst region

“…LP can be preserved as ruminant feed through ensiling ( Romero, 2010 ). However, the crude protein (CP) content in fresh LP and silage (96.1 g/kg; Dong et al, 2022 ) cannot meet the growth requirements of ruminants ( NRC, 2007 ). Previous research demonstrated that to meet these requirements, legume forage with a high CP content can be mixed with low CP gramineous forages for ensiling ( Zhang et al, 2015a ).…”