A study on quality of mixed silage of alfalfa and corn

To assess the best ratio for mixed silage of corn and alfalfa,they were mixed and ensiled in different proportions(0∶10,3∶7,5∶5,7∶3,10∶0 respectively) and after 30 days,the nutrition and fermentation quality of all treatments were determined and analyzed.1) Compared with alfalfa silage,all three treatment improved fermentation quality and attained the goal of excellent silage.2) CP(crude protein) and Ash(crude ash) contents of the 3∶7 treatment were significantly higher than corn but lower than alfalfa silage(P0.05),NDF(neutral detergent fiber) and ADF(acid detergent fiber) contents were significantly lower than corn but higher than alfalfa silage(P0.05).3) pH values of the 5∶3 and 7∶3 treatments were significantly lower than that of alfalfa silage(P0.05).Lactic acid contents of all three mixed treatments reached more than 60%,but the contents of acetic acid and propionic acid reduced,and produced little butyric acid compared with alfalfa silage.4) The number of lactic acid bacteria on alfalfa silage increased to 108 cfu/g FM after ensilling,while that on corn silage stayed the same before and after fermentation.Escherichia coli of mixed silage decreased significantly after ensilling.The mixed treatment modulated silage of high quality more easily,and the nutrition and fermentation quality of mixed silages were between corn and alfalfa silage.The fermentation quality of the 7∶3 treatment was the best.