The Effect of Molasses and Formic Acid Additives on Fermentation Characteristics and Feed Value of Italian Ryegrass Haylage

This study investigated the nutrient composition, feed value, and fermentation profile of haylage obtained by adding molasses and formic acid to italian ryegrass. Three groups were formed by adding 5% molasses (IG+M) and 0.5% formic acid (IG+FA) to italian ryegrass (IG) harvested at 40%. Eighteen haylage samples, prepared with six replicates in each group, were compressed in vacuum bags and subjected to fermentation for 65 days. Addition of molasses and formic acid increased dry matter (DM) content in both italian ryegrass and haylage samples. In the haylages, formic acid addition decreased crude protein (CP) content, and increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, molasses addition did not change this (P