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Influence of Adding Dehydrated Medicago sativa on the Nutritional Parameters Related to Hedychium gardnerianum Silage Quality

Author

Listed:
  • Cristiana Maduro Dias

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal)

  • Hélder Nunes

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal)

  • Salomé Ribeiro

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal)

  • João Madruga

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal)

  • Alfredo Borba

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d’Ávila, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal)

Abstract

This study investigated using Hedychium gardnerianum , an invasive plant, combined with dehydrated alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) with varying percentages of alfalfa: control (0% alfalfa), T1 (10%), T2 (20%), T3 (30%), and T4 (40%), to enhance nutritional parameters in silage for ruminants in the Azores. Samples were vacuum-sealed and stored for 45 days at room temperature to promote anaerobic fermentation. Chemical analysis showed that alfalfa addition increased dry matter (DM) from 12.33% to 48.04% and crude protein from 11.34% DM to 24.63% DM. Insoluble fiber levels decreased, enhancing digestibility. In vitro fermentation indicated higher gas production in 40% alfalfa silage, suggesting faster fermentation. In conclusion, incorporating dehydrated alfalfa into Hedychium gardnerianum silage particularly enhances nutritional quality and digestibility. This approach offers a practical solution for ruminant feed in the Azores, particularly during feed scarcity periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristiana Maduro Dias & Hélder Nunes & Salomé Ribeiro & João Madruga & Alfredo Borba, 2024. "Influence of Adding Dehydrated Medicago sativa on the Nutritional Parameters Related to Hedychium gardnerianum Silage Quality," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:8:p:1381-:d:1457837
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