Evolution of Fermentation Parameters of Ensiled Sugar Beet Pulp During Storage

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the silage quality of sugar beet pulp throughout the storage period and so obtain useful information for farmers and livestock feed industry. All silages were prepared in bags of 50 kg in anaerobic conditions. Silages were sampled on months 0, 3 and 6.the results indicate a net decrease of the pH to around 3.8 after 3months silage and remained stable, an important increase of the lactic acid and a slight increase in the acetic acid. But there is a total absence of propionic acid and butyric acid and that after 3 months and 6 months silage. These results have allowed classifying silage 3 months and 6 months between a good and excellent. the results indicated that there is a positive and significant correlation between lactic and acetic acid (r = 0.955 **) and between DM and pH (r = 0 .630**), but there is a negative and significant correlation between pH and lactic acid (r = -0.896**), between DM and lactic acid (r = -0.731**), between acetic acid and pH (r= -0.921**) and between acetic acid and DM (r= -0.678**).

Keywords: Sugar beet pulp; silage; VFAs; pH; Storage period.