Assessing Fermentation Quality, Aerobic Stability, In Vitro Digestibility, and Rumen Degradation Characteristics of Silages Mixed with Sweet Sorghum and Aerial Parts of Licorice

Feng Chen, Jiao Wang, Sujiang Zhang (), Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry and Hassan Khanaki
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Feng Chen: Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Jiao Wang: Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Sujiang Zhang: Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Hassan Khanaki: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College, VIC 3647, Australia

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: (1) Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability, in vitro digestibility, and rumen degradation characteristics of silage mixtures with different ratios of sweet sorghum (SS) and aerial parts of licorice (LC). (2) Methods: Five mixtures were produced on a dry matter (DM) basis: (i) 0%SS + 100%LC (0%SS); (ii) 25%SS + 75%LC (25%SS); (iii) 50%SS + 50%LC (50%SS); (iv) 75%SS + 25%LC (75%SS); and (v) 100%SS + 0%LC (100%SS). First, the chemical composition of the silages was measured before and after fermentation. Next, the aerobic stability, dynamic microbial colonization and dynamic volatile fatty acids of the mixed silage after fermentation were determined for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days. Finally, the parameters related to gas production and the characteristics of the gas production were determined. At the same time, the rate of degradation of the chemical composition of the mixed silage in the rumen was studied. (3) Results: (a) As the proportion of SS increased, pH, ammonia, butyric acid, acetate, and aerobic stability showed a decreasing trend, but lactic acid content gradually increased. (b) The content of the fermentation and gas production parameters were significantly higher in 100%SS and 50%SS than others ( p < 0.05). (c) The rate of degradation of DE, ME, Neg, DM, CP, ADF, NDF, and ADL of 50%SS in the rumen of sheep was significantly higher than others ( p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, ensiling SS and LC mixtures can improve silage quality, especially if the SS and LC are ensiled together at a ratio of 50:50.

Keywords: sweet sorghum; licorice; mixed silage; fermentation; aerobic stability; rumen; degradation characteristics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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