Effects of Adding Pre-Fermented Fluid Prepared from Red Clover or Lucerne on Fermentation Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Red Clover and Lucerne Silages

This study examined the effects of chopping or chopping + blender maceration of red clover or lucerne on pre-fermented juice (PFJ) and determined the effects of PFJs on the quality of red clover silage or lucerne silage. The PFJs from chopping red clover (PFJ-RC) or lucerne (PFJ-LC) had a higher lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count than that from chopping + blender maceration (p < 0.05) and were used as additives. Compared with the Control of both silages, adding PFJ increased LAB, lactic acid (LA), and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) (p < 0.05), while pH, acetic acid (AA), and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (NH3-N/TN) were decreased (p < 0.05). For red clover silages, the PFJ-RC treatment contained the greatest LAB and LA and the lowest pH and NH3-N/TN among treatments (p < 0.05); similar results were observed in PFJ-LC treatment for lucerne silages (p < 0.05). The IVDMD of both silages correlated negatively with pH, AA, and NH3-N/TN and positively with LA (p < 0.05). Overall, chopping alone was a better method for preparing PFJ. Adding PFJ at ensiling increased LA and decreased the pH, AA, and NH3-N/TN of both silages. Ensiling lucerne or red clover with PFJ from the ensiling material had a more positive effect on the fermentation parameters mentioned above. Satisfactory fermentation parameters detected in the present study contributed to improving the IVDMD of both silages.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of chopping and chopping + blender maceration on pre-fermented juice (PFJ) quality, as well as the impact of PFJ on silage quality. Chopping red clover or lucerne led to higher levels of lactic acid bacteria in PFJ compared to chopping + blender maceration. Adding PFJ during ensiling increased lactic acid content and improved in vitro digestibility, while decreasing pH, acetic acid, and ammonia nitrogen levels in both red clover and lucerne silages.