The Effect of Oregano (Origanum onites) Pulp to Quality Parameters of Meadow Silage

Abstract

It was aimed to determine the effect of ensiling by adding Oregano pulp at different rates to the meadow grass on the physical quality properties of silages, silage fermentation and aerobic stability. In the study, dry oregano pulp at the rate of 3% (OP3) to 5% (OP5) by weight basis and without additives (control) was added to the first harvested of meadow grass in 2021 and it was ensiled as 3 groups. A total of 18 silage samples, 6 for each group, were left for fermentation in 1 liter glass jars for 60 days. Addition of oregano pulp in two different ratios decreased the DM content of silages compared to the control group (p<0.05). Control and silage groups with added oregano pulp were obtained in 2nd and 3rd roughage quality class, and their relative feed values were between 101.06 and 106.55. As a result of the physical properties of the silages, silages without additives were obtained as "satisfactory", while "good" quality silages were obtained from the groups with 3% and 5% oregano pulp. pH levels of silages were obtained between 4.37-4.89. The LA concentrates of the silage decreased significantly with the addition of oregano pulp, while the AA and BA levels of the silages were also decreased (p<0.001). As the ratio of oregano pulp increased from 3% to 5%, it was observed that the aerobic stability of the silages increased compared to the control group. As a result, it was concluded that oregano pulp can be evaluated as a silage additive.