Fermentation quality and nutritive value of the silage prepared from potato pulp and wheat bran

Abstract

Mixed silage of potato pulp and wheat bran, and individual silage of potato pulp alone were prepared to examine their fermentation qualities (test 1), aerobic stabilities (test 2), and the digestibility and nutritional values of a mixed feed prepared by combining the mixed silage with a basic feed (test 3). Both types of silage were treated with (mixed and individual LPSs) or without (mixed and individual NPSs) a lactic acid bacteria inoculant. In test 2, individual NPS or LPS + wheat bran (W) treatments were performed by combining the in dividual silage with wheat bran. In test 1, the mixed silages showed a V-score of 90 in spite of the lower fermentation quality than that of the individual silages. The individual silages froze in winter, whereas the mixed silage did not. In test 2, the aerobic stability of the mixed silages was higher than that of the individual NPS or LPS + W, and was further increased by the addition of a lactic acid bacteria inoculant. In test 3, the mixed silages was ingested as a substitute for wheat bran and rolled corn, with a low dry matter intake, a crude protein content of 8%, and a TDN content of 55%, resulting in equivalent digestibility and nutritional values.