The Effect of Molasses and Probiotic as Additive on the Physical Quality, Chemical and Microbial Composition of Napier Silages

Abstract

The effect of molasses and probiotic on physical quality, chemical and microbial composition of 40 days ensilage of napier variety, Pakchong 1 was evaluated using wilted napier grass with 10% molasses as silage additive and combination of 5%, 10%, and 15% molasses with 1% probiotic/kg DM. Physical quality of silages showed similarities in color, smell texture, and acidity while viable concentrations of lactic acid bacteria did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among treatments. The concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid were significantly higher (p<0.05) in silage using molasses alone as additive compared to different levels of additive molasses with probiotics. On the other hand, proximate chemical composition of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatments. Species of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus were isolated from Pakchong 1 and from the probiotic used in this study. In conclusion, physical, chemical and microbial composition of Napier silages can be influenced by the type of additives used. In particular, molasses was observe to be a potential source of soluble carbohydrates needed by natural lactic acid bacteria in napier. Likewise, probiotic produces high concentrations of lactic acids with subsequent preservation of the silage at a given duration of ensiling.