Silage Quality Characteristics of Quinoa Varieties Grown in Different Row Spacings

Abstract

Changing climatic conditions, agricultural lands becoming barren, losing their qualities and decreasing feed resources have led to the search for alternative feed resources. Quinoa (Chenepodium quinoa Willd.) is increasing in importance as an alternative feed source because it is a plant resistant to arid, salty and cold conditions. Quinoa plant can be considered as an alternative plant for silage, which is an important feed source for animals. In this study, the effects of sowing Cherry Vanilla and Read Head quinoa varieties at 4 different row spacings (17.5, 35.0, 52.5, 70.0 cm) on silage quality were investigated. In the research, pH, dry matter ratio, fleig score, ammonia production, sensory analyses, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid contents of quinoa silage were determined. While the effect of row spacing on dry matter ratio, ammonia production, sensory analysis, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid ratios was found to be significant, its effect on pH value was insignificant. The quinoa varieties used in the research had a significant effect on the dry matter ratio and propionic acid content. In the light of the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that in order to obtain a quality quinoa silage, the plants should be sown in 52.5 cm row spacing and the Cherry Vanilla variety should be preferred.