Co-Authors:
Ben-Ghedalia, D., Metabolic Unit, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Miron, J., Metabolic Unit, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Yosef, E., Metabolic Unit, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
The effect on fermentation patterns and silage properties of ensiling alfalfa (A) with ozonated cotton stalks (OCS), added at 10, 20, and 30% of dry matter, was explored in laboratory silos. Silos were opened after 90 days, and the silages were analyzed. DM loss was highest for the untreated A silage (14.6%). DM loss in the A + OCS silages was 1-4%, much lower than in the wilted A silage (7.4%). Reducing sugars and fructose were the major carbohydrates fermented; pectin uronic acid (PUA) proved resistant to 90 days of fermentation. OCS is acidic (pH 2); therefore, the pH of the 10% OCS + A mixture dropped to 5.2 immediately at mixing. This allowed a fermentation to proceed, as reflected from sugar fermentation and lactic acid production (3.55%). At 20 and 30% OCS + A mixtures, pH decreased immediately to 4.47 and 4.26, respectively, so the fermentation was partly or completely inhibited. Protein, extensively degraded in the A silage, was preserved in the A + 30% OCS silage. Wilted A and A + 20% OCS silages were comparable in protecting the alfalfa forage protein. © 1991 American Chemical Society.