Use of Farmatan as an Additive to Make Alfalfa Silage

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of tannin extract of chestnut (Farmatan) obtained from sweet chestnut on alfalfa silage. Alfalfa harvested at the flowering stage was chopped to 1-2 cm in size and laid on a flat surface. Farmatan at the levels of 0 (control group), 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5% was uniformly spread by hand on the silage material. After thoroughly mixing the silage material, it was placed in 1.5-2.0-kg airtight plastic bins and stored for two months. Farmatan had significant effects on the composition of silage including dry matter (DM), crude ash, ammonia, and pH. Addition of 4.5% Farmatan reduced the ammonia content by 70.11% compared with control. Addition of 3.0% Farmatan also reduced pH by 23.8% compared with control group. The DM contents of treatment groups were changed between 18.70 and 26.57%. The highest DM content of alfalfa silage was obtained with addition of 4.5% Farmatan, whereas the lowest was found in control group. The effects of Farmatan on gas production kinetics, metabolizable energy, and organic matter digestibility were statistically significant. Addition of Farmatan at the rate of 4.5% to fresh alfalfa material can be recommended to improve the silage quality.