Determination of quality characteries of silages obtained by mixing corn (Zea mays L.) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants at differnet rates

In this study, it was aimed to determine the quality of silage and different silage rates qualities of corn and alfalfa where grown at coastal conditions in Antalya. For this purpose, the maize which at dough cycle stage harvested and alfalfa herbs which at 10 % flowering period harvested, then different rates were mixed and fermented for 60 days. In the experiment, a total of 11 silages were formed, along with single silage of alfalfa and single silage corn with 9 silages consisting of different mixtures. Each silage was planned to be 4 parallel and a total of 44 silages were studied. Only gas outlet providing special glass jars (Weck, Wher-Oftlingen, Germany) which have a capacity of 1,5 liters for silages were used for silages. Quality analyzes were performed in silages opened at the end of fermentation period. As a result of the analysis; dry matter ratio was 22.75 % with 37.18 %, crude protein content with 10.39 % to 16.09 %, crude ash content with 5.87 % to 9.10 %, crude oil ratio 1.46 % to 1.91 %, crude cellulose with 25.07 %, 42.82 %, acid detergent, insoluble fiber ratio (ADF) 31.31 % 47.50 %, acid detergent lignin insoluble in ratio (ADL) 2.68 % 13.48 %, neutral detergent insoluble fiber ratio (NDF) 41.89 % with 54.52 %, pH 4.10 to 6.31, the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) 0.20 to 3.56 log cfu / g, the total number of yeasts of 0.01 to 0.46 log cfu / g, the total number of molds was found to be between 0.02 and 1.34 log cfu/g. As a result, it is observed that, to produce silage from only alfalfa is very difficult, however alfalfa can be silage by mixing with 20 % or 30 % with a material with high carbohydrate content such as corn.