Evaluation of nutritive value and identification of fungi in silage from new kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) cultivars

Abstract

The effects of harvesting stage of new Kenaf cultivars on the nutritive values, amino acid contents and fungal abundance were investigated. The late and mid-late maturing cultivars offered more DM than did early-maturing cultivars. The DM was highest at 100 DAS in all Kenaf silage. For all cultivars, the crude protein content (7.4-18.4%) of silage was reduced if harvesting was delayed. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents were not significantly different among the cultivars; however NDF and ADF contents increased significantly upon late harvesting. All silages had pH values under 4.0, ensuring stable storage. The optimum harvesting time for silage production, as evidenced by yield, fermentation characteristics and nutritive value, was 100 DAS. The concentrations of amino acid in the silage were lower than that in the hay. Silage produced by all Kenaf cultivars exhibited low yeast biodiversity; only one species (Pichia fermentans) was detected when the harvesting date was optimal.