Effects of inoculating citrus (Citrus sinensis) tree leaves with either bacterial or whey on the fermentation and aerobic stability of silage

Shredded citrus (Citrus sinensis) leaves were treated with: Control (no additive), liquid whey and Lactobacillus buchneri (LB) and ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic jars (15 jars/treatment). Jars were opened on day 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 post ensiling for analysis of nutritive value and silage fermentation characteristics. In addition, samples of day 40 were subjected to a 5 day aerobic test where CO2 production was measured. After 40 days of ensiling, inoculation reduced (P<0.05) silage pH, butyric acid and ammonia-N while increasing acetic and lactic acids content compared to control. The aerobic stability of silage was improved (P<0.05) with whey and LB as indicated by lower CO2 production compared to control. It was concluded that silage produced from citrus leaves was poorly fermented as indicated by high pH and low lactic acid contents.   Key words: Carbon dioxide, feeds, fermentation, inoculant, leaves, silage.