An Approach to Color Change and Quality Relation in Roughages

Abstract

In this work, it was aimed to associate CIELAB Scale (L*, a*, b*) with some quality parameters of roughages such aspH, crude protein (CP) and relative feed value (RFV). To this end, fie diffrent applications; haylages unwrapped on25th, 40th and 55th days of fermentation, traditional silage unwrapped 55th days of fermentation and degraded haylagewere examined for vetch-triticale (Vicia sativa L. - Triticasecale wittmack) and caramba-berseem clover (Loliummultiflrum cv Caramba-Trifolium alexandrinum L.) mixtures in the study. The tests were conducted according torandomized block design with three replications for both forage mixtures. The ΔL and Δb color values and pH, CP, RFVwere signifiantly correlated in the vetch-triticale mixture. The regression coeffients (R2) for ΔL and Δb were 0.68 and0.79 for pH, 0.40 and 0.38 for CP, 0.63 and 0.70 for RFV, respectively. In the mixture of the caramba - berseem clover,the regression coeffients for ΔL and Δb were found to be 0.64 and 0.85 for pH, 0.14 and 0.12 for CP, 0.28 and 0.37 forRFV respectively. In both mixtures, the level of relation between Δa* color value and quality parameters remained verylow. Also, it was obtained that the best roughage in terms of RFV was haylages opened after 55th days. Decreasing theL*, b* color values by 50% on average after fermentation can be regarded as an indication of roughage degradation andRFV reduction. From this point view, it can be possible to determine the quality change by following the colors beforeand after fermentation of roughage.