Abstract:

Ceratoides arborescens is a semi-shrub forage with excellent quality， its nutritional value can be improved by ensiling. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum method to produce C. arborescens silage. A 3×4 two-factor experimental design was used to study the effects of the water content of the raw material （45%， 55%， 65% w/w） and probiotic concentration （0， 0.02， 0.04， 0.06 g·kg^-1） on the quality of C. arborescens silage. It was found that the water content and probiotic concentration had significant effects on the nutrient composition of C. arborescens silage （P<0.05）， the water content had significant effects on the contents of crude protein， crude fiber， and ash （P<0.01）， and the probiotic concentration had significant effects on the ash content （P<0.05）. At water contents lower than 65% （w/w）， the nutritional value of the silage increased with increasing water content. With increasing probiotic concentration， the nutritional value of the silage initially increased and then decreased. The optimal conditions for making C. arborescens silage were 65% （w/w） water content of the raw material and 0.02 g·kg^-1 added probiotic. The results of this study provide scientific support and a theoretical basis for the efficient production of C. arborescens silage. Successful ensilage of C. arborescens will promote the development of grass husbandry and help to solve the shortage of feed resources for livestock.

Key words: Ceratoides arborescens, silage, nutrition value, fermentation quality