Determination of fermentation and nutritional characteristics of banana pseudostem silage prepared with different levels of wheat bran addition

This study aims to evaluate the banana plant's pseudostem, a substantial post harvest by-product, as an alternative roughage source for ruminant feeding. Due to its high moisture content (up to 90%) and low fermentable carbohydrate levels, banana pseudostem is not suitable for direct ensiling. Therefore, to improve silage quality, wheat bran—rich in dry matter and carbohydrates—was added at different levels (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and compared to a control group (0% bran). The purpose of wheat bran addition was to support the fermentation process and improve aerobic stability (Kung et al., 2018). The prepared mixtures were thoroughly homogenized and packed into vacuum bags with three replicates per group and ensiled for 45 days. The silages were then analyzed for fermentation quality (pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, ammonia nitrogen), nutritional composition (dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ADF, NDF), aerobic stability (temperature changes after air exposure), and microbiological characteristics (lactic acid bacteria, yeast, mold, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria). The results showed a significant increase in dry matter content with wheat bran addition. In particular, 10% and 15% wheat bran levels yielded optimal fermentation quality; pH dropped below 4.0, lactic acid concentration increased, and ammonia nitrogen content decreased. These findings indicate successful anaerobic fermentation (Muck et al., 2018). Additionally, these bran levels improved aerobic stability and limited yeast and mold growth (Dunière et al., 2013). Microbiological analysis revealed higher lactic acid bacteria counts in the 10% and 15% bran groups, while yeast and mold growth remained at minimal levels. However, the 20% bran inclusion negatively affected some parameters, disrupting silage balance and reducing aerobic stability. This suggests that excessive bran may encourage undesirable microbial activity (Ni et al., 2017). In conclusion, the use of carbohydrate-rich additives such as wheat bran in the ensiling of high-moisture agricultural residues like banana pseudostem enhances both fermentation quality and nutritional value, as well as aerobic durability. The inclusion of 10–15% wheat bran yielded the most favorable results. This practice has the potential to support sustainable livestock production by integrating waste management and feed production in regions with intensive banana cultivation.