Abstract:

This study examined the addition of wafer waste as a readily soluble carbohydrate source to alfalfa silage for its impact on silage quality, fermentation characteristics, in vitro organic matter digestion, and in vitro CH4 values. Fresh alfalfa was ensiled with 0% wafer waste (Control), 1% wafer waste, 2% wafer waste, 4% wafer waste, and 6% wafer waste for 60 days. The differences between the groups in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), metabolizable energy (ME), in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD), and in vitro CH4 values of silages were found to be statistically significant. In comparison to the control group, increases in IVOMD and ME values were seen in all additive-containing groups. Depending on the quantity of wafer waste, the pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/TN), and carbon dioxide (CO2) values of the silages declined. In the study, the highest amount of lactic acid occurred in the group with 6% wafer waste added. Propionic acid (PA) was detected only in the control group. Butyric acid (BA) values tended to decrease depending on the addition of wafer waste and were not found in the groups to which 4% and 6% wafer waste addition. Yeast and mold values of the silages decreased in parallel with the increase in the wafer waste rate. As a result, it was determined that adding wafer waste as an easily soluble carbohydrate source positively affected alfalfa silage quality and fermentation characteristics.

Keywords: