The effects of adding molasses and inoculant to silages of fodder pea and rye grass in different proportions on silage quality

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding melas and microbial inoculant to the mixed silages of different proportions fodder pea (FP) and rye grass (RG) grown in arid conditions on silage quality and in vitro digestibility. For this purpose, silages containing fodder pea and rye grass at 20, 40, 60, and 80% ratios were pre- pared in jars with additives 5% molasses and 10 g/ton inoculant (1.25x1011 CFU/g) and waited 60 days. At the end of the study, a significant difference was determined in the pH value, lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), and ammonia -N levels among groups of the mixed silages (P<0.05). It was determined that inoculant was effective on the LA level (P<0.05). The interaction between mixture level and additive was observed at pH value, LA, and ammonia -N levels (P<0.05). In vitro digestibility, energy values, and nutrient contents of silages showed significant change among groups (P<0.05). While molasses significantly increased the dry matter levels, it decreased the acid detergent fiber (ADF) level (P<0.05). The interaction between mixture level and additive was observed at only neutral detergent fiber (NDF) level (P<0.05). While the structure was positively affected in silages containing 80% FP, the Flieg score decreased in silages containing 60% FP (P<0.05). With addition of molasses increased the Flieg score of silages, and it showed interaction between mixture level and additive (P<0.05).As a result, although mixed silages containing 80% FP had high ammo- nia -N, excellent fermentation was observed with low pH value and high LA level. In addition, although NDF and ADF levels increased, mixed silages with FP at 80% levels have higher in vitro digestibility and energy levels. Each of the additives had a positive effect on silages, but molasses was determined to be more effective.