Influence of Adding Dehydrated <i>Medicago sativa</i> on the Nutritional Parameters Related to <i>Hedychium gardnerianum</i> Silage Quality
Cristiana Maduro Dias,
Hélder Nunes,
Salomé Ribeiro,
João Madruga,
Alfredo Borba
Affiliations
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
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.
