Fermentation characteristics of maize–forage legume mixtures ensiled in small-scale silos

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the ensiling characteristics of maize–forage legume mixtures in small-scale silos. Sole and intercrops forage materials were harvested 80 days after planting and ensiled in small-scale silos, that is: plastic bags, plastic drums, and small pits, for 60 days. After ensiling, samples were collected to examine the chemical composition, microbial community and fermentation quality. Mixed silages stored in the drum silos had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher DM content (35.69%) than that from pit and bag silos. The drum silos had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher crude protein concentration (20.57% DM) in sole legume silages than other silo types. Neutral detergent fibre concentration (39.76% DM) of sole forage silages was greatest in bag silos than in other silos. High in vitro dry matter digestibility and water-soluble carbohydrate values (58.15 and 12.19% DM respectively) for mixed silages were recorded in drum silos. Bag silos showed lower numbers of lactic acid bacteria and higher populations of enterobacteria (4.86 and 4.26 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ respectively) in sole forage silages than other silos. Mixed silages ensiled in drum silos produced significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) pH (3.03) and ammonia nitrogen content (3.73% TN) compared to pit and bag silos. The study concluded that ensiling maize–forage legume mixtures in drum silos can have a positive effect on the nutritive value of ruminants’ feeds. Therefore, the recommended forage type for ensiling is mixed silages.