J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1976. 42:469-475.
© 1976 American Society of Animal Science
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Effects of Chemical Additives on the Preservation and Digestibility of Alfalfa Haylage1

P. D. Wing, R. D. Goodrich, J. G. Linn and J. C. Meiske

University of Minnesota, St. Paul2 55108

Abstract

Alfalfa was ensiled without chemical treatment (control) and with 1.25, 1.75 or 2.25% formic acid; .50, .75 or 1.00% formaldehyde and 1.00 or 1.50% propionic acid to measure the influence of these chemicals on silage fermentation and the digestibility of the resulting haylages by sheep. Treatment percentages are amounts of pure chemical expressed as a percent of forage dry matter. Treatment with formaldehyde reduced nonprotein nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen and soluble nitrogen levels in the haylage. When 1.00% formaldehyde was added these nitrogen values are similar to those in an unensiled control sample. Formaldehyde protected hemicellulose from degradation, reduced lactic and acetic acid contents and crude protein digestibility, tended to improve nitrogen retention and reduced ruminal butyrate. Formic acid reduced nonprotein nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen and soluble nitrogen levels, but less effectively than formaldehyde. Lactic acid contents were reduced by formic acid, but it improved the digestibility of energy and crude fiber and nitrogen retention. Ruminal butyrate was lowered in lambs fed haylage treated with 2.25% formic acid. Propionic acid reduced ammoniacal nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen and soluble nitrogen levels in the haylage. It appeared to reduce cellulose and lactic acid contents. Lambs fed 1.50% propionic acid haylage appeared to retain more nitrogen than controls. Propionic acid treatment increased ruminal propionate and reduced ruminal butyrate levels.

Footnotes

1 Paper No. 8833 of the Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

2 Department of Animal Science.






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Copyright © 1976 by the American Society of Animal Science.