The Effects of Hazelnut Husk Supplementation on Silage Quality, Deterioration, and In Vitro Digestion Parameters in Second Crop Maize

This research investigates the effects of hazelnut husk on the low dry matter (DM) maize silage quality, microbial profile, deterioration, fiber components, and digestion parameters. Second crop maize was harvested at the milk stage of maturity (26.61% DM) and ensiled in laboratory silos with or without ground hazelnut husk. A total of 18 jars of silage were made utilizing two treatments (control silage and 15% hazelnut -contained silage), three different opening dates, and three replicates. All silage analyses were completed in all of the opening periods. Hazelnut husk increased the (p<0.05) silage DM, pH, ash, protein, and cellulose fractions content while only decreasing (p<0.05) hemicellulose. The lactic acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, and butyric acid in silages were reduced (p<0.05) by the hazelnut husk. The addition of hazelnut husk to the silages increased (p<0.05) the population of lactobacilli but had no influence (p>0.05) on the yeast -mold population. Hazelnut husk increased (p<0.05) aerobic stability in maize silages. Hazelnut husks reduced in vitro gas production value, digestible organic matter, metabolic energy, and net energy lactation values, but increased protozoa in the rumen (p<0.05). The hazelnut husk demonstrated a potential hygroscopic property in low DM maize silage by increasing silage DM and improving fermentation efficiency, as well as air stability during feedout.