Determination of nutritive value TMR silage based on the fresh citrus pulp in sheep

This experiment was carried out to determine the nutritive value of total mixed ration silage (TMRS) based on orange pulp (OP). Three diets including: 1) TMRS based on OP plus wheat straw (WS) and concentrate, 2) total mixed ration based on corn silage (CS) plus WS and concentrate, 3) total mixed ration based on alfalfa hay (AH) plus WS and concentrate. The experimental diets were tested for digestibility and voluntary intake in mature male lambs. The DM content of TMRS ranged 28 to 28.5 percent and pH 3.8 to 3.9 that shwed appropriate characteristics of the silage. The in vivo digestibility of DM, OM and metabolisable energy of the TMRS were significantly higher than the other diets (P<0.05). The DM and OM intake, were significantly differences between the diets where the lowest amounts detected by feeding CS diet. The digestible DM and OM intake were significantly higher in TMRS than the other diets (P<0.05). Data obtained from rumen liquor showed that pH was not different between the treatments at different times. The ruminal NH3-N was higher in CS diet before morning feeding but it was not different between TMRS and CS diets at 3h post feeding werase they were higher than the other diet (P<0.05). No differences were obtained between the diets for NH3-N at 6h post feeding. It is concluded that by ensiling of orange pulp plus WS and concentrate could prepare a complete feed ration silage with nutrient balance and appropriate digestibility and palatability.