Effect of different additives on dry matter degradability of mustard forage (Brassica juncea) silage at different phenological stages

The aims of the current study were to investigate the in vitro dry matter degradation of mustard (Brassica juncea) forage in various stages of growth, and the impact of molasses and urea on the quality of its silage.In the first trial, chemical composition including dry matter and crude protein in three phenological development stages (vegetative, flowering and soft dough) was measured. Then 1.5 kg of fresh mustard forage were chopped and mixed with molasses and urea and ensiled in the laboratory silos. Different treatments were applied, including control (no additive), 5 or 10% molasses, 0.5 or 1% urea, and 0.5% urea plus 5% molasses. The silages were kept for 45 days at room temperature. Then dry matter of silages was determined, silages appearance, pH and temperature were evaluated. In the second trial, the dry matter degradability of plant and mustard (Brassica juncea) silage were measured by nylon bag method.Advancing plant development and maturity stages significantly (P