Thesis
Feed quality and fermentation characteristics of barley and triticale monocultures and blends
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2019
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102025
Abstract
A two-year study was conducted near Moses Lake, Washington, to evaluate monocultures and blends of Pronto Barley and Merlin Triticale. Eight treatment groups, two monocultures and six different seeding proportion blends, were randomly blocked and planted early April and early May of 2017 and 2018. Forage plots were harvested in early July, weighed and sampled for analysis. Treatment groups were then pooled and ensiled for 94 and 70 days in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Triticale monoculture had the highest dry matter yield and was not different from treatments containing at least 50% triticale in the blend. The fresh forage feed quality was different between years, but not between treatment groups. Economically, fair quality alfalfa has a greater amount of crude protein and total digestible nutrients than the blends and monocultures, but the small cereal grain forages were closer to the alfalfa on the total digestible nutrient's basis. All forages were of high quality. All treatment groups ensiled well, with pH not differing across treatment groups, ranging from 3.77 to 4.57. Ammonia, lactic acid, and total volatile fatty acid content was highest in treatments containing 90% triticale or more in the blend. Crude protein content was higher in treatments with a greater proportion of triticale in the blend and was greater in 2018 than in 2017. Starch content was higher in treatments containing a greater amount of barley in the blend. Ensiling decreased acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber. Silages had a higher dry matter and neutral detergent fiber disappearance than the fresh forages, which is likely due to fiber content deceasing during the ensiling process. All forages ensiled well and were of high feed quality. Ensiling increased the forage degradability.
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Details
- Title
- Feed quality and fermentation characteristics of barley and triticale monocultures and blends
- Creators
- James David Wolf
- Contributors
- Donald A. Llewellyn (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Animal Sciences, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525028401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis