The Effect of Different Withering Times and Different Additives on the Feed Value of Alfalfa Silage

The study was conducted to determine the effects of different withering times and additives on some physical and chemical parameters and the feed value of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silage. In the study, Bilensoy alfalfa variety, 3 different withering times (0, 12 and 24 hours) and 6 different additives (control, 4% barley, 4% wheat, 4% corn, 4% bran, and 2% sucrose) were added, and 18 subjects were examined. Silages were formed in the laboratory using vacuum bags (25 × 35 cm in size, 110 micron thickness) and vacuum machines, and the packages were kept at room temperature for 2 months for silage maturation. The DLG scoring method was used to determine the physical quality of mature silages. For chemical quality and feed value, dry matter, pH, crude protein, crude ash, ADF, and NDF values of the silage samples were determined; the Fileg score, total digestible nutrients, dry matter consumption, digestible dry matter, net energy lactation, and relative feed value were calculated. When the research findings were evaluated, the prolonged withering period decreased the crude protein rate determined in alfalfa silage, while DLG classification, pH, Fleg score, dry matter, crude ash, ADF, and NDF rates increased significantly. While the effect of additives added to alfalfa silage on DLG classification was insignificant, it was found to be statistically significant in the other properties examined. It was determined that the additives decreased DLG classification, pH, crude protein, NDF, and ADF ratios, increased Fleg score and crude ash ratio, and significantly improved feed value parameters compared to the control group. As a result, in terms of optimum feed value and alfalfa silage quality, 24-hour withering and 4% maize addition can be recommended compared to the other treatments compared.