Effect of ensiling corn stover with legume herbages in different proportions on fermentation characteristics, nutritive quality and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan Plateau

In order to evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of corn (Zea mays L.) stover silage mixed with legume herbages in Tibet, corn stover was ensiled with four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30% of fresh weight) of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), respectively. The silos were opened after 45days of ensiling, and the fermentation characteristics, nutritive quality and invitro digestibility of the mixed silages were analyzed. The results showed that the inclusion of legumes could somewhat improve the corn stover silage quality, as indicated by significantly (P<0.05) higher lactic acid and crude protein contents and ratios of lactic acid/acetic acid, and significantly (P<0.05) lower amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents, while the corn stover silage containing 10% common vetch performed best, as indicated by significantly (P<0.05) higher invitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. These results suggest that mixing legumes to corn stover before ensiling appears to be a feasible strategy to improve the nutritive quality of mixed silage.