In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of alfalfa silages in response to different pre-ensiling treatments

Abstract The present study investigated the in vitro ruminal fermentation of alfalfa silages (AS) that had been produced using different pre-ensiling treatments, i.e., by changing the wilting intensity and dry matter concentration, and adding sucrose, and therefore differed in silage quality and their N fractions. The data were obtained using an in vitro rumen-simulation technique (Rusitec) system, in which the AS were incubated isonitrogenously in quadruplicate. Samples were taken after 2 days (first time point) and 7 days (second time point) of AS incubation, and a variety of fermentation characteristics as well as the degradability of fiber fractions and organic matter were determined. Sucrose addition substantially raised the propionate concentration during both sampling time points from an average of 17.8 to 29.7 mmol/L (P