Improving Crude Fiber Fermentation and Nutrient Retention in Tropical Forage Silage through Molasses Supplementation
Randali Irfandi(a), Rahmat Ananda(a), Galih Ramadhani Setiawan(a), Adelya Desi Kurniawati(b), Asri Nurul Huda(a)*, Marjuki(a), Tzou Chi Huang(c)

a) Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, 65145
b) Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, 65145
c) Department of Food Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
*Correspondent author: nurulasri[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of 10% molasses supplementation on nutrient retention and physical quality of silage prepared from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), odot grass, and corn stover. A randomized factorial design with three replications was applied, consisting of two molasses levels: without supplementation (T0) and with 10% supplementation (T1). Silage samples were incubated for 14, 21, and 28 days. Parameters measured included bacterial identification, silage quality (physical and nutritional), and nutrient losses. Molasses supplementation significantly reduced dry matter (DM) losses in elephant grass (36.83% to 33.01%) and odot grass (47.91% to 35.60%) (P < 0.01). Organic matter and crude protein losses also decreased markedly, while crude fiber loss in odot grass was notably minimized with supplementation. Physically, molasses-treated silage exhibited a sweet-sour aroma, yellowish-brown color, and softer texture, contrasting with the undesirable fermented smell and greenish color of the control. Moreover, supplemented silage reached optimal acidity (pH < 4.2) more rapidly, reflecting faster and more stable fermentation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 10% molasses supplementation enhances nutrient preservation and desirable physical attributes of tropical forage silage, offering a practical approach to improve feed quality and ruminant nutrition in tropical environments.

Keywords: corn stover, molasses, nutrient, Pennisetum purpureum, silage, tropical forage

Topic: Animal feed and nutrition