Effects of different doses urea and molasses additives on some physical and quality properties of elephantgrass (Miscanthus x giganteus) silages

This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of urea and molasses additions on some physical and quality properties of giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) silages harvested at booting stage in Usak in 2018. In the research, 0, 0.5 1 and 1.5% urea and 0, 2, 4% molasses were applied to silages and dry matter ratio, physical properties, pH, fleig score, crude protein ratio, NDF, ADF, TDN, DMI, DDM and RFV values of silages were determined. According to the results obtained from the research, pH values of silages ranged between 3.78 and 6.13, fleig scores between 35.86 and 129.71, crude protein ratios between 5.47 and 8.35%, NDF and ADF ratios ranged between 69.09% and 76.81% and 42.33% and 49.49%, respectively. Depending on the applications, TDN rates ranged between 37.51% and 46.74%, DMI values between 1.56% and 1.74%, DDM rates ranged between 50.35% and 55.93%, and RFV values ranged between 61.28 and 75.29. In the study, urea additives positively affected the crude protein content of silages while negatively affecting the parameters silage fermentation and related to digestibility. On the other hand, molasses additions positively affected the all parameters of silages except dry matter and crude protein content. As a result of the research, it was concluded that 1% urea and 4% molasses should be added into silages for high crude protein content and digestibility.