Determining of feed value and ensitability characteristics of canola

In this research, silageability properties and feed value of canola (Brassica napus L.) were investigated. The canola used in the study were harvested in three different periods as the beginning of flowering, full flowering and podding periods. In all three periods, silages were prepared by adding 5 different molasses to 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% based on dry matter (DM) on fresh material which is approximately 2 cm in size. Silages were stored for 45 days in laboratory conditions. They were kept in 1.5 liter laboratory glass special anaerobic silos (Weck®, Germany). Chemical and microbiological analyzes of the silages were performed at the end of the 45th day. When molasses doses increased, DM content of silages increased and pH, acid detergent insoluble fiber (ADF), neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) and acid detergent insoluble lignin (ADL) contents decreased. With the addition of molasses, lactic acid (LA) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) values were increased in silages. As the molasses dose increased, yeast and mold populations decreased and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased. With increasing molasses doses, in vitro gas production values, digestion and energy values and feed values of silages increased. It was concluded that canola can be harvested as silage in the podding period because it contains higher DM compared to other periods, and the addition of molasses to the silages by 6% to 8% (based on DM) can improve canola silages.