Authors : Xiaoqing Zhang, Yanmei Jin, Yuqing Wang, Fengqin Gao and Juan Qi
Abstract: To preserve Urtica cannabina (nettle) as a high-quality forage all year round and reduce protein loss during ensiling, freshly-harvested plants were treated without additives (control) but with 0.5 mg kg-1 Lalsil Dry (LD) inoculant of Fresh Weight (FW), 4% molasses of FW (MS) or mixture of them (LD+MS) and then researchers assessed the chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and fermentative parameters of the products after 0, 3, 5, 15, 20 and 60 days of ensiling. The result showed that silage only treated with 0.5 mg kg-1 LD-inoculant produced very badly preserved silage. With 4% molasses or 4% molasses plus 0.5 mg kg-1 LD produced well-preserved silage. Importantly with 4% molasses plus 0.5 mg kg-1 LD considerably reduced protein loss during ensiling. Researchers recommend adding 4% molasses plus 0.5 mg kg-1 LD of FW to improve nettle silage. These results contribute information for conservation of nettles and forage king of this with high quality.
Xiaoqing Zhang, Yanmei Jin, Yuqing Wang, Fengqin Gao and Juan Qi, 2014. Effects of Inoculants and Molasses on Silage Quality of Nettle (Urtica cannabina). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 564-569.