The study investigated whether mixed ensiling of drought-damaged grassland forage with sugar beet pulp (SBP), wheat gluten feed (WGF) , or brewer's grains (BG) a positive effect on the nutrient composition, fermentation properties, in-vitro gas production (GP) , and the physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) of silage. It was also tested whether the addition of anaerobic fungal isolates from rumen fluid of ruminants (AF), rumen fluid (RF), or lactic acid bacteria (LAB) provides further benefits.
All silages exhibited satisfactory preservation properties with high lactic acid content and low dry matter losses, as well as levels of neutral detergent fiber typical of preserved feed. Mixed ensiling with brewer's grains significantly increased the crude protein concentration , while ensiling with sugar beet pulp improved the rumen degradability of the silage. Mixed ensiling with wheat gluten improved both the crude protein content and the rumen degradability.
The addition of fresh mushroom isolate resulted in the highest lactic acid levels, particularly in silage made with sugar beet pulp, but it had no effect on gas production. In vitro gas production was higher with the addition of rumen fluid, suggesting improved feed degradability in the rumen. Silage supplemented with lactic acid bacteria had a lower pH, but no effect on gas production was observed.
In summary, mixed ensiling has the potential to produce high-quality silage from drought-damaged grassland. More detailed results from this trial can be found in the journal article in Grass and Forage Science: Online Library - Mixed ensiling of drought-impaired grass with agro-industrial by-products and silage additives improves the nutritive value and shapes the microbial community of silages.
