Open Access

Effects of Different Levels of Crushed Wheat and Maize Additives on the Silage Quality of Italian Ryegrass

1 Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Bursa
2 Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Bursa

Abstract

This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications to investigate the effects of adding crushed wheat (W) and maize (M) (5% W, 10% W, 5% M and 10% M) on the silage quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.). The plant material used was the first cut material of the Caramba variety of Italian ryegrass harvested in spring. After harvesting, the plants were chopped into 1.5-2 cm pieces. Fresh material was mixed with 0 (control), 5%, and 10% crushed wheat and maize, and the mixtures were placed in 2 kg vacuum bags and sealed under vacuum. At the end of the 60-day fermentation period, the silages were opened and characteristics such as dry matter ratio, pH, crude protein ratio, ADF ratio, NDF ratio, fleig score, dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, relative feed value and net energy lactation value were examined. In the study, the highest dry matter ratio and Fleig score were found in the silage with 10% crushed wheat and maize added. The addition of crushed wheat increased the crude protein ratio, dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, relative feed value, and net energy lactation value of the silage more than the addition of crushed maize. The lowest ADF (34.98%) and NDF (49.50%) contents were obtained from Italian ryegrass silage with 10% crushed wheat added. Consequently, adding 10% crushed wheat is recommended to enhance the nutritional value and quality of Italian ryegrass silage.

Keywords

How to Cite

EROL UYANIK, S., & BUDAKLI ÇARPICI, E. (2026). Effects of Different Levels of Crushed Wheat and Maize Additives on the Silage Quality of Italian Ryegrass. ISPEC Journal of Agricultural Sciences. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18239051

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