Effects of propionic acid additive on chemical and microbiological characteristics of total mixed ration

This study was carried out to determine the effect of propionic acid supplementation on the chemical and microbiological characteristics of total mixed ration. In the study, the effect of four different levels (0,1,5, 3, 4,5%) of propionic acid based additive total mixed ration in 26 oC and 30 oC conditions were investigated. Feed samples were subjected to aerobic stability test with 3 replicates for each treatment group. Aerobic stability, pH, dry matter (DM), lactic acid (LA), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), LAB, yeast and mold counts at 0, 2, 4, and 7 days were analyzed. In addition, samples were displayed in the T200 IR brand thermal camera and the data were evaluated in the ThermaCAM software program. The addition of additives in the study decreased the pH, dry matter (DM), nötral detergent fiber and yeast contents of total mixed ration, increased crude protein (CP), eter extract (EE), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), lactic acid (LA) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contents and prevented mold growth. As a result of the study, it has been concluded that adding different amounts of propionic acid to total ration mixture improves aerobic stability.