Abstract
Effects of the additive containing sodium nitrite and calcium formate on the acceptability and digestibility of silage were examined. Italian ryegrass silages with and without the additive were prepared and six Japanese saanen castrated male goats were fed ad libitum silage in a double reversal design experiment. Then followed the digestion trial in a total collection method. The results are summarized as follows ; 1. Larger amounts of flesh and dry matter were recovered from the silage with the additive than from the one without the additive. Losses due to spoilage were less in the silage with the additive than in the one without the additive. 2. Quality of the silage with the additive was exceedingly higher than that of the one without the additive. 3. Significantly larger amounts of dry matter were consumed from the silage with the additive than from the one without the additive. 4. Digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, N.F.E. and crude fiber were significantly higher for the silage with the additive than for the one without the additive.
