The Effect of Different Sodium Bentonite Levels on Chemical Composition, Microbiological Composition and Lactic Acid Levels of Pumpkin Waste Silage

Abstract

Pumpkin residue could be used as silage in animal nutrition, yet ensiling is challenging due to its high moisture content, which can negatively impact the process and produce mycotoxins. Sodium bentonite (SB) has high water-absorbing capacity and have been used in pellet feed manufacturing for ruminant and monogastric animals. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding two different levels of SB to pumpkin residue silage on its chemical composition, silage quality, microbiota, and lactic acid levels. The pumpkin residues were ensiled with 0%, 1%, and 2% SB in four replicates for three months. The analysis showed that the addition of SB significantly reduced crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), Fleig point and lactic acid levels, yet increased crude ash (CA), dry matter content (DM) and pH values. Microbial counts for yeast-mould and lactic acid bacteria were highest in the control group. Conversely, the %1 SB supplemented silages exhibited the lowest levels of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Thus, using SB as a silage additive reduce yeast and mold, however it also reduced nutritional value and lactic acid amount in the silage. Further research can investigate the optimal level of SB for different types of silage to improve their quality and shelf life.