جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « silage » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

The dry climate and water scarcity in most areas of Iran caused to serious restriction in planting fodder. Therefore, it is very important to find new fodder sources to feed ruminants in order to reduce the ration costs. One of the new sources of fodder that may have a favorable nutritional value are plants of the Paulowniaceae family in China, East Asia and some parts of Iran. Several types of Paulownia are known in the world. These plants are known for their high growth rate and intense photosynthesis, which are specific to C4 plants, and with wide leaves with a diameter of about 90 cm. The commercial production of Paulownia wood generates a large quantity of leaves, which are typically used as natural fertilizers.At the age of about 6 to 8 years, the production leaf of each Paulownia tree reaches about 100 kg. When the leaves have a favorable nutritional value, they can be used as fodder in feeding ruminants. In Iran, there has been no study on the nutritional value of Paulownia leaves for use in animal feed. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the chemical composition of Paulownia leaves and the chemical composition, gas production parameters, digestion and fermentation characteristics of the silages from the mixture of different levels of Paulownia leaves (Tebjoo hybrid variety) and fodder corn in vitro. The corn forage and Paulownia leaves (Tebjoo hybrid variety) were prepared. At first, the chemical composition of corn forage and Paulonia leaf samples was determined based on the conventional methods. Then, both forages were chopped into 2-4 cm sizes using a hand chopper for silage preparation. Experimental treatments included silages containing different ratios of fodder corn and Paulownia leaves (0:100, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100). The materials were compacted in the plastic containers and the silage period lasted 60 days. Determining the chemical composition of fresh fodders and the nutritional value of experimental silages including chemical composition, in vitro gas production and fermentation parameters, digestibility and enzyme activity were carried out based on a completely random design. Results indicated that dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), lignin, non-fibrer carbohydrates (NFC) and water soluble carbohydrates content of fresh Paulownia leaves were 266, 911, 173, 402, 201, 35.5, 86.4, 404 and 91.2 g/kg DM, respectively. The mentioned chemical composition in Paulownia silage were 273, 902, 164, 393, 191, 38.8, 74.5, 386 and 25.4 g/kg DM, respectively. With increasing the proportion of Paulownia leaf in silage, DM, CP, lignin, EE, ammonia nitrogen concentration increased linearly (P<0.05). However, OM, NDF and ADF decreased linearly (P<0.05). By increasing the ratio of Paulownia leaf to corn in th silage, in vitro gas production (GP) in 24, 36 and 48 h, GP potential (coefficient b) and short-chain volatile fatty acids concentration decreased linearly (P<0.05), although it linearly increased ammonia nitrogen concentration and microbial protein synthesis (P<0.05). The carboxymethyl cellulase and filter paper degrading activities decreased linearly with increasing the inclusion level of Paulownia leaf in silage (P<0.05). However, ruminal alpha-amylase and protease activity showed a linear increase (P<0.05). The present study showed that the Paulownia leaf of Tebjoo hybrid variety has a favorable nutritional value as a new forage source in animal nutrition. Also, the preparation of silages including different ratio of Paulownia leaves and corn is recommended for animal feeding in the conditions of significant shortage of protein resources in the country. Future research is warranted to investigate how Paulownia leaf affect ruminant performance.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of preparing silage, determine nutritive value and characteristics of silage prepared from three genotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.) forage (Sjama, Titicaca and Q12) in a completely randomized design. The chopped forages were siloed with four replications in laboratory silos. After 60 days, the silos were opened and the appearance characteristics of the silages were examined. The quinoa silages were sampled for analysis concentration of chemical composition and silage characteristics. The results show that, the duration of sowing to the dough stage of seeds was 60 days in Kerman climate. In silage of Sajama, Titicaca and Q12 genotypes, the average of dry matter (P<0.01) was 20.36, 22.99 and 22.21%, the concentration of crude protein (P<0.01) was 13.50, 14.21 and 14.31% respectively. The characteristics score of silages were 16.75, 17.50 and 18.13 in a 0 to 20 scoring system for Sjama, Titicaca and Q12 genotypes respectively (P<0.01), Quinoa forage silage had a high buffering capacity and were determined 273.09, 195.90 and 200.33 meq NaOH for Sjama, Titicaca and Q12 genotypes respectively (P<0.01). In general, the results have shown that quinoa forage silage have an acceptable quality, especially in crude protein concentration and can be used as a substitution feedstuff in ruminant nutrition. However, there are many differences between genotypes in chemical composition and silage properties. It seems some genotypes (Sejama) don’t have the potential for silage production and more studies are needed to select the appropriate genotypes.

The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different levels of forage corn on the improvement of fermentation properties and aerobic stability of the aerial part of Jerusalem artichoke silage. To prepare silages, this plant was ensiled with ratios of 0, 25, 50 and 75% of forage corn in laboratory silos with four replicates. The lowest pH (3.85) and the highest concentration of lactic acid (48.5 g/ kg DM) were observed in silages containing 75% and then in silages containing 50% of forage corn. In silages containing 50% and 75% forage corn, a decrease in the concentration of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen was associated with an increase in the population of lactic acid bacteria and a decrease in the population of mold and yeast. The highest ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid (2.2) was observed in silages containing 75% of forage corn. Silages containing 50 and 75% of forage corn had the highest crude protein and soluble carbohydrates. The highest aerobic stability in silages containing 50% of forage corn (584 h) was associated with no growth of mold in these silages. The results of the present research showed that the use of 50% forage corn during the preparation of aerial part silage of Jerusalem artichoke improved fermentation. Also, mixing these two forages with different levels of used forage corn improved the aerobic stability of silages and the highest aerobic stability was observed in the silage resulting from a 50:50 mixture of these two forages.

 Fodder sorghum is one of the most important forage plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Maize production is low in arid and high salinity regions around the world, and sorghum due to its adaptation to arid and low water conditions, high water use efficiency, C4 photosynthetic system, high clawing power, high production capacity as wet forage, dry and Silos are a good option in these areas. In the past, sorghum was generally grown in areas that were unfavorable for growing corn, but today, with the advent of hybrid fodder sorghums, it produces under ideal conditions corn-like crops, and where moisture is a limiting factor and may have a higher yield than corn. Recently, frequent droughts in Iran have attracted the attention of farmers and livestock breeders to other forages such as sorghum, and due to the limited growing season of this forage, its use as a silo is common. Stage of growth is one of the most important factors influencing nutritional quality of fodder silages. As the fodder matures, the cytoplasmic portion of the cell reduces and the quantity of protein, lipids, soluble carbohydrates and soluble minerals decrease. Due to the drought occurrence on large parts of Iran and the adaptation of sorghum to drought conditions, a very few studies have been done on its chemical composition and nutritional value. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of plant growth stage and mixing of corn and sorghum on chemical composition and degradability of corn and sorghum silage.

In order to evaluate the effects of harvesting steps and the ratio of forage sorghum blending on nutritional value and its degradability compared to corn silage, this experiment were performed using 45 experimental silos in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomize design with 15 treatments and 3 replications. Experimental groups consist of: sorghum harvest time (first factor) including: 1) before flowering (emergence of flag leaf), 2) about 10-15 percent flowering, and 3) soft seed soils. Sorghum harvested at each of the above time with forage corn with ratios of corn fodder to sorghum (second factor): 100%: 0%, 75%: 25%, 50: 50%, 25%: 75% and % 0: 100% was mixed. Silage samples were analyzed for Dry matter, crude protein, Ash and crude fat according to AOAC (2005) methods. In situ ruminal degradation kinetics parameters of DM, CP and NDF of experiment treatments were estimated using the nylon bag technique. Degradation of dry matter at times zero, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 9 hours was determined.

The results of this experiment indicated dry matter, crude protein had an upward trend with growth progression. While, the amount of crude fat, soluble sugar decreased significantly with plant growth. Ash content fluctuated during the growth stages, so that its amount was the lowest in flowering stage and was the highest during the vegetative stage (before flowering). The highest pH was observed in the soft dough stages and the mixing ratio of 25% corn and 75% sorghum, which indicates more proteolysis of silage. The lowest amount of ammonia nitrogen was observed in the soft dough phase treatment with 50% corn and 50% sorghum ratio and the highest amount of lactic acid was observed in the soft dough stage treatment with 100% sorghum, which may be due to increased soluble carbohydrate intake and convert it to lactic acid. Rapidly soluble fraction, degradation rate constant and effective degradability of dry matter, crude protein and cell wall at all passage rates increased significantly with increasing plant growth.

In general, it can be concluded that harvesting corn and sorghum forage in the soft dough stage with a mixing ratio of 25% corn and 75% sorghum improves the pH of silage. Rumen degradability of silage dry matter in the soft dough stage with different levels of corn and sorghum composition can increase feed intake in livestock. Rumen degradability of silage dry matter was also higher in the soft dough stage with different levels of corn and sorghum composition than other stages, and this can reduced feed retention in the rumen and increased feed consumption in livestock. However, more research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding a mixture of corn silage and sorghum in ruminants on voluntary feed intake and production performance.

The aim of this study two-hundred Holstein dairy cows were selected and used in 4 free stall barn in a completely randomized rotating design. Sixty cows (30 cows per pen) of selected animals with the same characteristics (DIM: 180 ±15, average milk production 49±5, lactation number 2.95) were used for blood and milk sampling. Experimental treatments include control diet (diet 1) based on corn silage and experimental diet (diet 2) replacing 5% of corn silage with barley silage. The results showed that if barley silage is replaced at 5% level with corn silage so that other nutrients in the diet do not change significantly, it had no significant effect on milk production and composition, however, it significantly reduced (p <0.05) the feed intake in the experimental group that received barley silage. In addition, experimental treatments caused a significant increase in blood urea compared to the control group. Replacing barley silage at 5% level with corn silage also significantly increased the percentage of ruminal propionic acid, and had no significant effect on other ruminal parameters. Barely silage also increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein and neutral and acidic detergent fiber. The results of this study showed that barley silage can be replaced with corn silage at the level of 5% without negatively affecting production performance.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding 0, 10 and 15% levels of wheat straw and the use or non-use of Lactobacillus buchneri microbial additive on the quality of fodder beet silage (FBS) in polyethylene bags in a 3×2 factorial statistical design. For each treatment, 4 bags and a total of 24 bags of 25 kg of fodder beet silage with different composition were prepared and transferred to storage at room temperature and after 75 days, all bags were opened and their pH, temperature and silage quality were immediately determined. A sample of each bag was used for chemical laboratory evaluation including DM, CP, Ash, NDF, ADF and ammonia nitrogen (AN). The results showed that adding 10 and 15% levels of wheat straw improved silage quality and reduced pH compared to the control (P<0.01). Addition of wheat straw had a significant effect on chemical composition and silage stability (temperature and pH) during opening (P<0.01), Addition of wheat straw reduced watery loss and increased silage quality (P<0.01). In general, the most suitable mixture of the silage was control + 15% wheat straw, which had a higher quality and longer shelf life.

Ensiling total mixed ration can be used as a sustainable alternative to efficiently of feed management, improves digestibility and increase performance of ruminants. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of using total mixed ration silage based fodder corn on the growth performance of fattening Zell lambs.

Fourteen Zell male lambs (19.74± 2.07 kg BW) were randomly allocated to one of two experimental diets similar in nutrient contents. Experimental diets included control diet based on alfalfa and wheat straw (CD) plus concentrate and total mixed ration silage based on fodder corn plus concentrate (TMRS). The animals were fed three times daily in three equal portions over a 12-weeks assay following a 2-weeks adaptation period. Lambs were weighed immediately before the morning feeding at the beginning and at 3-weeks intervals. At the end of fattening period, the lambs were housed in individual cages to evaluate nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets. Furthermore, blood samples were collected from the Jugular veins of the lambs for measuring of glucose, total protein, albumin and liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST).

Average feed intake was not affected by the experimental diets, but final body weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain were greater but the feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) was lower in lambs fed TMRS diet than those received CD diet (P<0.05). Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber were higher (p<0.02) in CD diet that that of the TMRS diet. There was no difference in plasma concentration of albumin, total protein, glucose, ALT and AST between the experimental groups, and all of those parameters were within the normal range for healthy sheep.

It was concluded that ensiling total mixed ration based on the fodder corn was associated with an optimal fermentation and using its in fattening Zell lamb diets caused an increase in final body weight and daily gain, and improved feed conversion ratio. Therefore, ensiling total mixed ration could an appropriate feeing management to improve performance of fattening lambs.

Fodder beet is a valuable source of fodder in livestock diets due to favorable agronomic characteristics such as resistance to salinity and drought, less water requirement, and proper nutritional characteristics such as forage production and silage with high nutritional value, good taste, and good resistance to environmental changes. Despite the long history of using fodder beet in animal rations, its nutritional issues and physicochemical properties of it are not fully understood and further research is needed. Silage of fodder beet can be used well in the diet of all ruminants, but studying the proper ways of silage and controlling the physical and chemical properties of silage is one of the important issues that should be addressed. In addition to the stated benefits for fodder beet, such as low dry matter content, fiber, and fat, disruption of ion exchange and change in silo buffering capacity, as well as the difficulty of processing it for permanent consumption of livestock and also important restrictions such as high sugar and moisture in the roots and excess leachate and lack of production of quality silage are the most important obstacles to the consumption of this silage. Harvest time of fodder beet coincides with the heat of the summer season and the occurrence of numerous problems, so it is necessary to silo it to prevent spoilage with the correct method. Today with the introduction of new improved cultivars and the growth of processing technology, these limitations have been almost removed. This study aimed to evaluate some of the physicochemical parameters of ensiled fodder beet with and without Lactobacillus buchneri as a microbial additive.

Some physicochemical parameters of ensiled fodder beet with and without Lactobacillus buchneri as a microbial additive in combination with 10 and 15% dry beet pulp were investigated through a 3×2 factorial arrangement in four replicates. Different silages included: 1) 100% pure fodder beet without additive (control), 2) control + 10% dry beet pulp, and 3) control + 15% dry beet pulp. The microbial additive was added at the level of 6×1010 CFU/g of dry matter. 24 plastic bags containing 25 kg of different material were compacted, sealed, and stored at room temperature. After 75 days, four bags of each group were opened and pH, temperature, and quality were immediately determined. Also, a sample from each bag was used to measure the chemical compositions. Measurements of temperature and pH were performed. Two samples of silage, one for extraction and determination of ammonia nitrogen (using selective ion absorption electrode) by AFIA recommendations and the other sample for measurement of dry matter, crude protein, and ash according to the AOAC method were used. Measurement of NDF and ADF were done according to the Van Soest method. To evaluate the aerobic stability of silages when opening plastic bags, the characteristics of color, odor, and texture of silage in the range of 1 to 10 for high to poor quality were determined using the modified Konigsberg Scores method. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial arrangement in four replicates using the mixed model procedure of the SAS program.

Experimental groups with 10 and 15% of dry beet pulp with microbial additive had a better quality (score: 6.5±0.16 vs. 9.4±0.21; pH: 4.04±0.06 vs. 4.59±0.08) than the control group (P<0.01). The type of ensiled materials had a significant effect on chemical compositions (DM, CP, NDF, and ADF) and the aerobic stability of silages at opening time (P<0.01). But microbial additives almost had no significant effect on the traits. Watery loss of silage for the control group was higher and its quality was lower than that in other groups (P<0.01). The best quality and more stability of silage were observed in the group with fodder beet+15% of dry beet pulp which is advisable.

According to the results of this study, adding 10 and 15% of dry beet pulp to fodder beet silage improved the appearance and aerobic stability of the resulting silages compared to the control group. Evaluation of appearance traits and pH of the samples showed that the treatments with dry pulp and the microbial additive had better quality than the control group. The type of mixture used had a significant effect on the chemical composition of silage and its aerobic stability when opened, but the microbial additive did not show a significant effect in most cases. The watery loss in the control group was higher than the other treatments and had a worse appearance quality than other silages. Overall, the most suitable silage composition in this experiment was a mixture of the control group+15% sugar beet pulp, which had better appearance quality, longer shelf life, higher dry matter level, and lower ammonia nitrogen than the other two groups.

In this study, the possibility of replacing fodder beet silage in proportions of zero, 25, 50 and 75% based on dry matter in the concentrated part of fattening ration of Grey Shirazi male lambs (forage: concentrates in the ration 60:40 percent) were evaluated. Experiment carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 10 replications. Silage chemical composition and performance of lambs were evaluated. At the end of the period, the all lambs were slaughtered and carcass and meat characteristics were evaluated. The chemical composition of silage including dry matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber Were 25, 16, 12.7, 1, 41 and 30% of DM, respectively. The average (kg) of initial weight, final weight, average daily gain and feed efficiency were not significantly different in the treatments (p>0.05). The mean of dry matter intake in the treatments (25, 50, 75 percent) that consumed fodder beet silage (1160.0, 1147.3, 1091.9 gr/d) was significantly reduced in compare to control treatment (1298.8) (p<0.05). The mean of feed conversion ratio in treatment with 50% replacement of fodder beet silage (4.8) showed a significant decrease in compare to control treatment (5.7) (p<0.05), but treatments of 25 and 75% replacement of fodder beet silage with control treatment and also with treatment of 50% fodder beet silage were not significantly different (p>0.05). Carcass and meat characteristics were not significantly affected by fodder beet silage feeding. The results of this study showed that the use of fodder beet silage in feeding fattening lambs up to 75% substitution of the concentrate part of the ration is possible without reduction in yield.

Fresh citrus pulp (FCP) was mixed with wheat straw (WS) 90:10 and ensiled in three treatments 1) 0.0% urea, 2) 0.5% urea and 3) 1% urea, using 40 kg nylon bags. After three months of ensiling, silos were evaluated and sampled for chemical analysis and in vitro gas test. In vivo digestibility and intake of the silages were determined in sheep nutrition along with basal diet (Alfalfa hay+WS+barley ground). Dry matter (DM) ranged 19.32 to 21.15% and pH 3.59 to 3.74 in silages. Crude protein and NH3-N were increased (P<0.05) in silages contained urea. There were no significant differences between silages for gas production. The in vivo digestibility of DM, OM and NDF, and ME were similar between the basal diet and the experimental diets as well as the experimental silages. However, digestibility of CP was increased in silages contained 0.5 and 1% urea (P<0.05). An increasing trend was observed for DM intake where the animals received ad-libitum silages than the basal diet. Daily urine weight and urine pH was increased (P<0.05) when the animals fed 1% urea silage, comparison to the other diets but, ruminal pH was not affected by the treatments. Finally, it is concluded that ensiling of FCP plus WS to provide a mixture with optimum DM content may be an appropriate method of preserving and using of this by product in ruminant nutrition. In addition, deficiency of CP could be compensated by addition of proper amount of urea.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a weed forage that can grow in most parts of Iran; however, the nutritional value of this plant has been less considered. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of fresh and ensiled portulaca oleracea with or without wheat bran. Purslane was harvested during the flowering stage and ensiled in polyethylene containers for 60 days. Experimental treatments included: 1) fresh purslane, 2) purslane silage without additive, 3) purslane silage+16% wheat bran (fresh weight), and 4) purslane silage+32% wheat bran (fresh weight). The crude protein of the four treatments ranged from 19.27% to 26.86%. The highest concentration of ammonia nitrogen (10.85% of total nitrogen) and pH (4.72) of silage extract were observed in silage without additive, but the concentrations of lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were highest in the silages containing wheat bran (P<0.05). After ensiling, the true digestibility of organic matter (71.03%) and dry matter (70.05%), as well as potential gas production (28.90 mL), showed a significant decrease compared to fresh purslane (P<0.05). In general, purslane had a favorite protein content and digestibility in animal feeding. Although the nutritional value of fresh purslane was higher in comparison with silage, ensiling can reduce the problems of drying. Purslane silage without additive had low dry matter content and contained mildew, but the quality of purslane was improved when wheat bran was added to the silage.

The use of agricultural by-products and waste because of its high value of nutrients, is possible in the preparation of animal feed. About 950 tons of Mentha pulegium pulp is produced annually in Iran. If this pulp dries well, it can be used in animal feed due to its nutritional value. Due to the fact that moisture is a limiting factor for animal feed storage, ensiling can eliminate this limitation. This study was to evaluate of chemical composition of Mentha pulegium pulp silage with wasted date and its feeding effects on - dry matter intake, microbial protein yield and blood parameters in sheep.

400 kg of Mentha pulegium pulp were mixed thoroughly with 30 kg of wasted date at levels of 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 % (DM basis) and ensiled for 45 days. After determining the chemical composition and sensory assessment of the silages, level of 20 % (DM basis) was used in experimental diets. For determine the effects of Mentha pulegium pulp silage on sheep, four mature ram (with 40 ± 2 live weight) were used in a change-over design with four periods of 21 days. In the 5 days at the end of each period at 0, 3, 6 and 9 h after morning feeding, rumen fluid was sampled from sheep by esophagous tube and were filtered through three layers of cheesecloth. Blood samples were collected at the end of each period and 4 h after morning feeding in 10 mL. To determine the amount of allantoin and microbial protein synthesis, the daily urine produced during 24 hours was collected.

According to the sensory assessment, silages containing of wasted date get score of very good of 20. Adding wasted date to Mentha pulegium pulp increased the DM and ether extract of silages. DM intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein and NDF of experimental diets were not affected by silages of Mentha pulegium pulp with different levels of wasted date. Nitrogen intake, nitrogen excretion and the percentage of nitrogen retention were not affected by experimental diets. Total purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis did not change. The level of blood cholesterol and albumin were significantly changed by feeding diets containing Mentha pulegiumsilage with wasted date (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, could be used Mentha pulegium pulp silage up to 20 % without additives or with wasted date in sheep diet.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) on nutritive value of corn silage by in vitro and in vivo methods. The firs stage of the experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, included three treatments and 5 replicates, in which chopped corn forage was mixed with 0.0, 5 and 10 percent of DCGF and ensiled in 200L polyethylen barrels. After three months of ensiling, the silages were opened and evaluated. Voluntary intake and digestibility of the silages along with basal diet (Alfalfa hay+wheat straw+barley ground) were determined, using mature (two years old) male Shal sheep. Including of DCGF to corn silage increased (p<0.05)dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the silages respectively, but pH and organic matter values were not affected by the treatments. However, the DM content did not reach to optimum (35%) point. Concentration of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was increased but acid detergent fibre (ADF) was decreased (p<0.05) as DCGF was increased in the corn silages. Addition of CGF increased dry matter intake of the silages (p<0.05). The digestibility of DM, OM and NDF were higher in silages containing  DCGF (p<0.05). The intake of the digestible DM, OM and NDF were higher in DCGF content silages than those of basal diet and control silage (p<0.05). In general,adding DCGF to corn silage could improve silage quality as well as increasing voluntary intake (g/d) and digestibility when fed to sheep.

This research was conducted to evaluate of chemical composition, aerobic stability, and microbial load of different genotypes of Vicia faba silage ( imported from Syria). 11 forage of Vicia faba of genotypes, including G-Faba-249, Histal, Barkat, G-Faba247, G-Faba100, G-Faba332, G-Faba256, G-Faba333, G-Faba331, G-Faba98, Luzde otono were used. The plant were harvested at late vegetable, three replicates per genotype, ensiled into 10 kg in plastic and opened after 60 days. Dry matter forage and silage, and pH, ammoniacal nitrogen and crude protein of the silage showed significant differences between genotypes of Vicia faba (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among genotypes for lactic acid bacteria, but there were significant differences in total number of microorganisms and yeast among genotypes (P < 0.05). Genotype G-Faba-249 showed that had maximum time to reach peak temperature and the highest temperature. G-Faba-249 silage had the highest Filg,s point and physical appearance of was highest and evaluated as good. It was concluded that the forage of different Vicia faba genotypes at this reseach could be used as a quality silage for animal feeding.

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of corn and sorghum silages particle size on feed intake, digestibility, rumen parameters and feed intake behavior in Kermani sheep. Around 1000 kg of fresh corn and sorghum forages were chopped into two coarse and fine particle sizes and ensiled for 45 days. Four male Kermani sheep, 34.0±0.8 kg average BW, were used in this experiment which was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. There were four experimental periods and each of which lasted 21d, with 14d adaptation, 7d of sample collection. The ratio of forage to concentrate was 60: 40. Experimental diets were: 1) coarse corn silage diet, 2) fine corn silage diet, 3) coarse sorghum silage diet and 4) fine sorghum silage diet. The NDF content was higher in the sorghum silages than corn silages (p<0.05). In diets containing fine silage, ruminal pH tended to decrease after two hours of intake. Population of Holotrich and Cellulolytic protozoa increased when coarse silages were fed to animals (P<0.05). The maximum microbial protein synthesis in the rumen was achieved in diets containing fine silage(P<0.05). Duration of feed intake, rumination and chewing activity were higher in coarse silage diets (P<0.05). The types of silage did not have significant effect on animals’ performance and dietary feed intake behavior. In conclusion, corn silage can be replaced by sorghum silage, without any negative effect on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen parameters in sheep.

Forage amaranth (var. Maria) and corn were ensiled in plastic bags, for a period of 60 days, with 5 replicates. Chemical composition, oxalic acid, nitrate and phenolic compounds of the samples were measured. In vitro ruminal fermentation and ME were determined using a gas production method, and in situ degradability by nylon bags using 3 fistulated rams. Crude protein were 80 and 199 g/kg DM for fresh corn and amaranth, and 75 and 180 g/kg DM for ensiled corn and amaranth, respectively, which indicate higher (P<0.05) protein in fresh and ensiled amaranth compared with corn. Forage corn was contained higher DM, WSC and NDFom in comparison with amaranth, while ash was greater in amaranth (P<0.05). The pH of corn and amaranth silages was 3.8 and 4.1, respectively. The amounts of nitrate, oxalic acid, total phenolics and total tannin in corn silage were lower than amaranth silage (P<0.05). In vitro organic matter digestibility, ME and effective degradability of ensiled amaranth were lower (P<0.05) than those in corn silage, but microbial protein and metabolizable protein were greater (P<0.05) in amaranth silage. Overall, nutrients composition and fermentability parameters of amaranth (var. Maria) were comparable to corn silage, with higher crude protein content. Amaranth can be preserved as a valuable silage to feed ruminants in arid area.

This research was conducted to investigate effects of bacterial inoculation (lactobacillus plantarum, one mg/kg of fresh forage) and essential oils of spearmint, serviceberry and cumin (125 or 250 µl /kg of fresh forage) on chemical composition, gas production parameters and in vitro digestibility of corn silage in a completely randomized design (8 treatments and 3 replicates). Whole-plant corn was harvested at the dough stage (30 percent of dry matter), and chopped to 2 and 3 cm lengths. The ensiling process was performed in two-layer plastic bags. Additives were sprayed on the chopped corn, and then mixed thoroughly. The silos were opened after 45 days. Chemical composition of corn silage was affected by additives (P