This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of flaxseed essential oil (0, 60 or 120 mg/kg) on chemical composition, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of alfalfa silage. Experimental treatments include: alfalfa treatment without additive (control), alfalfa with 60 mg/kg flaxseed oil and alfalfa with 120 mg/kg flaxseed essential oil, which were kept at room temperature for 60 days. After opening the silos, gas production was measured by in vitro method with 5 replications at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Addition of flaxseed essential oil at both levels (60 and 120 mg/kg) to alfalfa silage significantly reduced silage pH compared to control (p<0.05). Addition of essential oil to alfalfa silage had a significant effect on the dry matter content, so that in the supplemented treatment with 120 mg/kg, dry matter was increased (30.02%) compared to the control (24.43%). Adding flaxseed essential oil (120 mg/kg) to alfalfa silage increased crude protein (12.36%) and water soluble carbohydrate (4.61%) contents (p<0.05). Addition flaxseed essential oil at 60 and 120 mg concentrations to alfalfa silage significantly reduced (p<0.05) ammonia nitrogen compared to control treatment. Both levels of 60 and 120 mg of flaxseed essential oil reduced gas production volume compared to control (p<0.05). Overall, the data indicate a positive effect of flaxseed essential oil on alfalfa silage quality and its fermentation properties. silage quality and its fermentation properties.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
تغذیه نشخوارکنندگان Received: 2019/10/18 | Revised: 2020/11/15 | Accepted: 2020/02/29 | Published: 2020/06/30