Evaluation of the effect of mixed silage of ramie by-products and rice straw

In order to develop and utilize agricultural by-product resources reasonably, this study investigates the effects of different proportions of Boehmeria nivea by-products and Oryza sativa straw mixed silage on their fermentation quality and nutritional quality. The aim is to screen out suitable mixed silage ratios and provide theoretical basis for preparing high-quality silage feed. In this study, the mixed silage ratios of ramie by-products and rice straw were set to 5 groups: 98 ꞉ 0 (CK), 90 ꞉ 8 (A), 80 ꞉ 18 (B), 70 ꞉ 28 (C), and 60 ꞉ 38 (D). The CK group and each mixed silage group were added with 2% sucrose, and after 30 days of silage, the fermentation quality and nutritional quality of the mixed silage feed were tested by opening the package for sampling. The results showed that the sensory evaluation of each mixed silage group and CK group reached level 2 or above, while group B had the best sensory evaluation of mixed silage, reaching level 1 excellence. Group B has the lowest pH value of 4.16; The NH₃-N/TN content is the lowest, at 4.73%; The highest content of lactic acid was 4.83%. According to the V-Score, the fermentation quality of each mixed silage group reached excellent, the B group having the best fermentation quality, reaching 93.0 points. The content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in each mixed silage group increased significantly with the increase of rice straw, which was significantly higher than CK (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in NDF and ADF content among the mixed silage groups (P < 0.05); crude protein, dry matter intake, digestible dry matter, relative feed value, and total digestible nutrient decrease with the increase of rice straw. Based on the comprehensive fermentation quality, nutritional quality, and feeding value, the production and application value of Group B (80% ramie by-products + 18% rice straw + 2% sucrose) mixed silage group is relatively high.