Investigation of nutrient content and fermentation of different foliage silages
Main Article Content
Abstract
The aim of the research was to investigate ensilage, nutrient content and fermentation characteristics of elder
(Sambucus nigra), black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia), blackberry (Rubus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus
spp.) shoots. Early summer shoots were collected, wilted (4-6 h), chopped, mixed with 20% dried corn (Zea
mais) and then ensiled (n=5), with the same packing density of 600 kg/m3 (200kg/m3 DM). The fresh, the wilted pre-ensiled material were sampled immediately and the silages were sampled after 70 days of fermentation. Dry matter-, crude protein-, crude fibre- and NDF- content were determined in each sample, pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol were measured in silages (n=5). CP/CF and CP/NDF rate were calculated (MÁTRAI ET AL., 2002). The dry matter content of elder- and blackberry
silages was optimal for fermentation (no significant difference P>0.05). Relatively high DM was found in the
case of black locust- and hawthorn- silages (P≤0.05). Crude protein results of elder- and black locust were
higher and differed significantly from the other two (P≤0.05). Similar and low crude fibre contents were
found in elder-, black locust- and hawthorn silages (P>0.05), blackberry had a higher CF content (P≤0.05).
NDF content of black locust and blackberry were similar (P>0.05), with elder silage lower, and hawthorn
higher NDF values were found (P≤0.05). All four silages differed significantly in CP/CF and CP/NDF ratios
(P≤0.05). It is recommended to use NDF-content and CP/NDF ratio of the shoot silages in further
investigations, as NDF analyses give more adequate data for fibre content. The pH values were relatively
high and the total amount of fermentation products was low in the silages. The fermentation intensity was
low in all cases. Fermentation quality was optimal in elder- and blackberry silages. In the case of black locust
and hawthorn silages presence of unfavourable fermentation products was found. To improve fermentation
quality, DM must be kept between the optimal 30-40% values. In conclusion elder and black locust young
shoots mixed with dried cracked corn seemed to be the best raw materials for shoot silage making and can be
effectively preserved by fermentation providing good rules for ensiling are followed. These foliage mixed
silages could provide high quality and nutritious feedstuffs for wild ruminants.
(Sambucus nigra), black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia), blackberry (Rubus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus
spp.) shoots. Early summer shoots were collected, wilted (4-6 h), chopped, mixed with 20% dried corn (Zea
mais) and then ensiled (n=5), with the same packing density of 600 kg/m3 (200kg/m3 DM). The fresh, the wilted pre-ensiled material were sampled immediately and the silages were sampled after 70 days of fermentation. Dry matter-, crude protein-, crude fibre- and NDF- content were determined in each sample, pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol were measured in silages (n=5). CP/CF and CP/NDF rate were calculated (MÁTRAI ET AL., 2002). The dry matter content of elder- and blackberry
silages was optimal for fermentation (no significant difference P>0.05). Relatively high DM was found in the
case of black locust- and hawthorn- silages (P≤0.05). Crude protein results of elder- and black locust were
higher and differed significantly from the other two (P≤0.05). Similar and low crude fibre contents were
found in elder-, black locust- and hawthorn silages (P>0.05), blackberry had a higher CF content (P≤0.05).
NDF content of black locust and blackberry were similar (P>0.05), with elder silage lower, and hawthorn
higher NDF values were found (P≤0.05). All four silages differed significantly in CP/CF and CP/NDF ratios
(P≤0.05). It is recommended to use NDF-content and CP/NDF ratio of the shoot silages in further
investigations, as NDF analyses give more adequate data for fibre content. The pH values were relatively
high and the total amount of fermentation products was low in the silages. The fermentation intensity was
low in all cases. Fermentation quality was optimal in elder- and blackberry silages. In the case of black locust
and hawthorn silages presence of unfavourable fermentation products was found. To improve fermentation
quality, DM must be kept between the optimal 30-40% values. In conclusion elder and black locust young
shoots mixed with dried cracked corn seemed to be the best raw materials for shoot silage making and can be
effectively preserved by fermentation providing good rules for ensiling are followed. These foliage mixed
silages could provide high quality and nutritious feedstuffs for wild ruminants.
Article Details
How to Cite
Szemethy, Dániel, Szilvia Orosz, and László Szemethy. 2012. “Investigation of Nutrient Content and Fermentation of Different Foliage Silages”. Review on Agriculture and Rural Development 1 (1. suppl.):434-39. https://iskolakultura.hu/index.php/rard/article/view/13246.
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