Authors : B.D. Nkosi, A.T. Kanengoni and R. Thomas
Abstract: Total Mixed Rations (TMR) that contained 795 g kg-1 (as is basis) of Potato Hash (PH) were formulated and ensiled in 210 L drums (10 drums treatment-1) with or without lalsil fresh (heterofermentative lactic acid bacterial inoculant). After 3 months of ensiling, drums were opened and analysed for fermentation characteristics and nutritive value. This was followed by an 8 weeks growth study using forty crossbred pigs (Large white X landrace), twenty males and twenty females weighing 20±3 kg. Inoculating the TMR with lalsil fresh reduced (p<0.05) the pH, butyric acid, ammonia-N while increasing the concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid compared to the control. The growth performance of pigs was improved (p<0.05) with inoculation compared to control. However, the growth rates of pigs were <120 g day-1 which could be attributed to the lower dietary protein (<80 g kg-1 DM) and higher fibre contents. Further research is needed to evaluate effects of enzyme addition on the ensiling of potato hash and supplementation of energy and protein on feed intake and growth performance of pigs consuming the silage.
B.D. Nkosi, A.T. Kanengoni and R. Thomas, 2011. Effects of Ensiling Total Mixed Potato Hash Ration with or without Bacterial Inoculation on Silage Fermentation and Nutritive Value for Growing Pigs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1667-1672.