Preference of intake of different tree leaves preserved with drying and ensiling by nyala antelope (Tragelaphus angasii)

Abstract

It is recommended that browse should be an important part of diets for browsing and intermediate feeding type ruminants. However, provision of browse in winter time is problematic for many zoos located in the temperate climate. Drying or freezing of branches are commonly practiced solutions to this problem, but ensiling of tree leaves could also be an attractive option. The aim of this study was to

Effects of harvest stages and lactic acid bacteria additives on the nutritional quality of silage derived from triticale, rye, and oat on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

“…Forage silage quality has commonly been increased via the use of additives ( e.g ., lactic acid bacteria additives) ( Sun et al, 2012 ; Puntillo et al, 2020 ). More specifically, the use of lactic acid bacteria additives during silage production increases feed digestibility and fermentation quality ( Gao et al, 2019 ; Petrova et al, 2022 ), while also enhancing silage palatability ( Przybyło et al, 2020 ). The addition of lactic acid bacteria reportedly increases the fermentation quality of maize silage by decreasing the pH and the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), minimizing the loss of dry matter (DM), and inhibiting protein degradation ( Zuo et al, 2020 ).…”