Application of cornmeal at ensiling of alfalfa cocksfoot and their mixture

Abstract

One of the solutions for the economical use of alfalfa and cocksfoot is making the silage. However, these plant species are difficult to be conserved without appropriate additives. The aim of this study was to determine the impact addition of cornmeal on the quality of silage of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv. Kruševačka 22, cocksfoot (Dactilys glomerata L.) cv. Kruševačka 40 and their mixture (50% alfalfa, 50% cocksfoot). Mowing both species was carried out at the stage when 1/3 to 1/5 of the plants were in flowering in alfalfa or in stage appearance of inflorescence with cocksfoot. Corn grain is ground at the mill with a sieve ø 2 mm, then mixed with chopped fodder of alfalfa, cocksfoot and the mixture in the following amount: 6% (treatment A2), 3% (treatment A1), and without cornmeal addition (control A0). After six months was determined silage quality. Cornmeal addition, according to the basic indicators of the quality of silage had a significant impact on changing the quality silage of alfalfa, cocksfoot and their mixtures.It is evident that the addition cornmeal addition a significant impact on increasing the energy value (primarily the content inside BEM) of silage in all studied treatments.