Tomato pomace silage as a potential new supplementary food for game species

Abstract

There is a debate whether supplementary feeding of game species is necessary, and what type of supplementary food is appropriate for them. In our study a new type of supplemental food for wild game species was evaluated. Fresh tomato pomace mixed with ground maize grains (20% w/w on a fresh basis) was baled. Different additive treatments were made and crude protein and crude fibre content and fermentation profile were evaluated. Consumption of tomato pomace silage by wild ungulates was also measured. Ground maize grains increased the dry matter content and crude protein : crude fibre ratio of tomato pomace. Tomato pomace mixed silage had a limited fermentation capacity with appropriate pH and fermentation acid content. The special baling technology was suitable to form well-shaped bales. In the investigated hunting preserve tomato pomace was the dominant food component in the diet of ungulate species. According to our results, tomato pomace could provide suitable quality supplementary food for large game species.