Investigating the physicochemical and fermentation characteristics of the lime pulp silage treated with molasses

This study aimed to determine the effects of adding molasses on the physicochemical and silage fermentation characteristics, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of fresh and ensiled lime pulps. This research was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design with four treatments including fresh lime pulp without additives (FLP), fresh lime pulp mixed with molasses; (FLPM), fresh lime pulp silage (LPS), and fresh lime pulp silage mixed with molasses (LPMS). Three replications were performed in each treatment Digestibility and gas production were determined using rumen liquid taken from two male Ghezel sheep. The results revealed that the application of molasses had no significant impact on the amount of dry matter. However, a marked distinction (P<0.05) was observed between the treatments regarding neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, pH, and water holding capacity (WHC). The potential of gas production for FLPM was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of other treatments. The addition of molasses to fresh lime pulp enhanced (P<0.05) the digestibility of dry matter in the rumen and total digestive tract. However, the presence of molasses in lime pulp silage reduced (P<0.05) the digestibility of dry matter in the rumen and total digestive tract. The results of this study suggested that the use of molasses would enhance fermentation and digestion by altering the composition of pectin in fresh lime pulp. While the lime pulp can be ensiled without molasses, the addition of molasses boosts the nutritive value and digestibility of silage.