Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Carrot Pulp Ensiled with Different Dry Roughages

Abstract

In this study, the nutrient values, organic matter digestibility, and metabolic energy values of the silages obtained from the carrot pulp, which is a by-product of the food industry, were investigated. In this context, 5 different silages with 5 replicates were prepared by adding wheat straw (CP+WS), vetch/oat hay (CP+VOH), corn stalk-straw (CP+CS), alfalfa hay (CP+AH) and barley straw (CP+BS) as 20% absorbent material to 80% carrot pulp. Silages were opened after 60 days and physical and chemical evaluations were made. The dry matter level was the highest in CP+BS silage. The crude protein level was the highest in CP+AH and CP+VOH groups. The CP+AH silage had the highest ADF and NDF. The CP+AH and CP+VOH groups had high-quality relative feed values, while all groups had very good Fleig quality scores. The organic matter digestibility and ME were not different between groups. According to the data obtained as a result of the study, it has been seen that carrot pulp silage can be used as an alternative feed source in animal nutrition.