Effects of supplementation of hairy vetch on the quality of whole crop barley silage

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of hairy vetch supplementation on quality of winter crop silage. There were 4 treatments (addition levels of hairy vetch ; 0, 5, 15, and 30%) with 3 replicates. Experimental silages stored for 40 days at room temperature (20 - 25℃). THe silage crude protein level was improved (P 0.05) in crude fat, NDF and ADF of the silage while hairy vetch supplementation increased. The silage pH was increased (P<0.05) but lactic acid level was decreased (P<0.05) while hairy vetch supplementation increased. Nonetheless, acetic and butyric acids concentrations were increased (P<0.05) while hairy vetch supplementation increased. Sucrose, glucose and fructose levels were increased (P<0.05) while hairy vetch supplementation increased. Although negative effects were detected in whole crop barley silage while hairy vetch supplementation increased, optimum level of hairy vetch supplementation could be overwhelmed its negative effects on whole crop barley silage. Thus, the results of present study suggested that 15% hairy vetch supplementation of whole crop barley silage would be beneficial its quality maintenance compared to whole crop barley silage per se.