Effect of Different Additives and Ratios on Silage Quality Characteristics of Common Reed Growing in Drainage Channels

This study aims to determine some nutritional, chemical, and fermentation properties of Common reed silage using different additives (alfalfa grass, crushed corn, sugar beet molasses, and 1:1 alfalfa grass + sugar beet molasses) and their ratios (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). Additives were added based on fresh weight to the Common reed grass, which was cut and chopped (1.0 cm sizes) at the beginning of the panicle. Then it was bagged in a vacuum device and left to ferment at 25±2 °C for 60 days. Analyse results showed that all additives increased crude protein, raw ash (RA), dry matter (except molasses), Fleig score, and lactic acid content (except alfalfa) of Common reed silage compared to the control but decreased the pH (except alfalfa), ammonia production, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents. A similar situation (except RA) occurred as the levels of additives increased. On the other hand, molasses, crushed corn, and increasing levels of these additives increased the lactic acid content of the silage, while decreasing the acetic, propionic, and butyric acid contents. As a result, a quality silo material can be obtained from the Common reed by applying 5% alfalfa grass + 5% molasses.