Effect of Different Supplements on Ensiling Properties, In Vitro Digestibility and Energy Content of Lenox (Brassica rapa L.)

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of wilting and ensiling Lenox plants with different additives on nutrient contents, silage quality, in vitro digestibility, and energy contents. In the study, 5 groups were formed: 100% Lenox (L), 100% wilted Lenox (WL), 95% Lenox + 5% molasses (LM), 96% Lenox + 4% grinded wheat (LW), and 70% Lenox + 30% ryegrass (LR). Thirty silage samples, prepared as 6 replicates in each group, were filled into 1-liter jars. Silages were incubated for 60 days. Wilting and addition of molasses, grinded wheat or ryegrass increased the dry matter content of the silages. The addition of molasses or grinded wheat increased the crude protein content of the silages. While the NDF and ADF values were similar in the L and WL groups, the NDF and ADF values of the other groups were lower than those of the L (P<0.001). All silage pH values determined in the study were within the range of 3.8-4.2 predicted for quality silages. The Fleig score of all silages was classified as "good" quality. The highest lactic acid value was recorded in the LR, followed by the WL, LM, L and LW respectively. Acetic acid content was determined to be quite low in all groups. The highest value of NH3-N content was obtained in LW. Various additives added to lenox increased the in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility of the silages. This effect was also reflected in the digestibility energy, metabolic energy and net energy for lactation levels of the silages. As a result; lenox, when harvested at full flowering, can be ensiled with pure or easily digestible carbohydrate-rich additives; however, it was found that the additives increased the evaluability of the silages.