Chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of maize silage with citrus pulp

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including citrus pulp in maize silage on chemical composition and fermentation parameters. The experimental design was fully randomized with four replicates. Maize silage consisting of 0–50% citrus pulp was produced and analyzed. The pH linearly decreased with the increased inclusion of citrus pulp (3.49 at 50% citrus pulp), which is far below what is considered adequate (3.8–4.2). However, not all fermentation parameters were compromised. At 33% citrus pulp, we estimated 30.82 g/kg total nitrogen. At 49% citrus pulp, we estimated 95.16 g/kg of crude protein. At 21% and 22% citrus pulp, we estimated 549.89 g/kg of neutral detergent fiber and 678.11 g/kg of total digestible nutrients, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that the inclusion of up to 30% citrus pulp improves the complete chemical composition of maize silage owing to the reduction in structural carbohydrate values and increases in total digestible nutrient and protein content.