Author/Authors :
GÜLLAP, Mehmet Kerim Ataturk University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Field Crops, Turkey
Abstract :
The aim of this study was to assess nutritional characteristics of thistle silages with additives. Thistle plant material collected around the faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University in 2010 were ensiled without and with 1% salt, 5% barley meal, 1% molasses and 10% wheat straw in triplicates. Dry matter, crude protein contents and pH values varied from 51.77 to 60.16%, 8.54 to 11.84%, and 4.69 to 4.92, respectively. The fleigh score was determined as very good, although the physical grades of silages were medium. Acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents and relative roughage value varied from 39.00 to 47.8%, 57.23 to 65.32% and 73.57 to 94.31, respectively. The obtained silages was found rich in term of macro and micro minerals. The effects of additives on nutrient content and physical characteristics were variable. In conclusion, thistle silage can be used in feeding dry cows and young ruminants due to its protein, fiber, and mineral contents. Further harvesting stage and digestibility studies are needed to determine proper additive to improve nutritional characteristics
