Abstract
Total mixed ration (TMR) silages were prepared using commercial concentrate, timothy hay and green tea grounds (GTG) at 10%, 20% and 30% dry matter ratio. Four Suffolk sheep were fed these TMR silages, and their nutritive value was estimated. Three kinds of TMR silages were well preserved and exhibited low pH and ammonianitrogen content, and high lactic acid content. The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber contents were significantly (P<0.05) higher with the increase in the proportion of green tea grounds. The dry matter and crude protein digestibility and total digestible nutrients in TMR silages with 10% and 20% GTG were significantly (P<0.05) higher than TMR silage with 30% GTG. The results showed that the ideal proportion of the green tea grounds for TMR silage preparation is 10% to 20% of dry matter.
