Comparison of Chemical Composition, In Vitro Gas Production, and Fermentation Characteristics of Four Different Silages Cultivated in Kahramanmaraş

Bakır T., Selçuk B., Bilal Y.

Livestock Studies, vol.66, no.1, 2026 (TRDizin)

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, metabolizable energy, and rumen fermentation characteristics of four silage materials (maize, sorghum, maralfalfa, and sugar beet pulp) grown in Kahramanmaraş province. Crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, NDF, and ADF contents were determined using standard analytical methods. In vitro gas and methane production were measured using the Menke technique, and organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, true digestible dry matter, and microbial protein production were calculated. Significant differences were observed among silages in terms of chemical composition and fermentation parameters (P < 0.05). Sugar beet pulp silage exhibited the highest gas production (51.63 mL), organic matter digestibility (68.69%), and metabolizable energy (9.84 MJ/kg DM), along with the lowest methane production per unit of fermented feed. Maize silage showed the highest microbial protein production (144.75 mg). Maralfalfa silage was characterized by its high crude protein content (14.08%), whereas sorghum silage had lower digestibility due to its high fiber content. In conclusion, sugar beet pulp silage appears to be a superior energy-rich feed, while maize silage supports efficient rumen microbial activity. These findings highlight the importance of strategic silage selection in optimizing ruminant nutrition.