EFFECT OF ADDITIVE-BASED ENSILING ON SILAGE QUALITY, PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS, AND GAS PRODUCTION KINETICS OF TYPHA GRASS (Typha domingensis)

Typha spp., a prolific wetland plant, presents considerable potential as a forage resource in arid and semi-arid regions due to its high biomass yield and adaptability. However, its fibrous structure and elevated levels of antinutritional compounds limit its direct utilization in ruminant diets. Ensiling, particularly with fermentation-enhancing additives such as molasses and urea, offers a promising strategy to improve its nutritional value and fermentation characteristics. This study investigated the effects of ensiling Typha grass at two growth stages (0.5 m and 1.5 m) with or without molasses and urea on silage quality, phytochemical composition, fermentation metabolites, and in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics. A completely randomized design was employed with four treatments; each replicated three times. Silages were prepared from field-harvested Typha, wilted, chopped, and stored in airtight containers for 90 days. Post-fermentation assessments included pH, sensory attributes, phytochemical profiling, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃–N), methane (CH₄) emissions, gas production kinetics, and dry matter degradability. Results revealed that ensiling treatments significantly influenced all measured parameters. Younger Typha (0.5 m) treated with molasses and urea (T2) exhibited the most favorable outcomes, including the lowest pH (4.11), highest sensory scores, reduced levels of oxalate, phytate, and saponin, and higher total VFAs (49.62 mM). T2 also demonstrated higher gas production potential (226 ml/g DM), highest effective dry matter degradability (25.0%), and the lowest methane emissions (3.7 mol/0.5 mg DM), indicating enhanced microbial fermentation and environmental benefits. In conclusion, ensiling younger Typha with molasses and urea significantly improves fermentation quality, reduces antinutritional factors, and enhances rumen fermentation parameters. This approach offers a sustainable and practical solution for converting underutilized wetland biomass into high-quality ruminant feed.