Fermentation characteristics of swine waste ensiled with wheat straw and cane molasses

In a first small silo study four mixtures of swine waste, wheat straw and cane molasses in various proportions were ensiled. The mixtures were adjusted to a moisture content of about 40% before a 42 days ensiling period at 28±2°C. Ensiled mixtures had an acceptable aroma and appearance similar to that of good quality haylage. In a second small silo study, three replicates of a factorial experiment were run in the laboratory for three levels of swine waste: 11, 22 and 44% (dry basis) and three levels of moisture content: 40·8±0·5, 54·4±0·7 and 69·0±0·6. After a 42 days ensiling period at 28±2°C, the silos were opened and evaluated. All mixtures preserved well and appeared to show typical haylage fermentation characteristics. Lactic acid concentration and pH indicated that good ensiling occurred in all mixtures. All mixtures were free of total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella and Proteus organisms. As the proportions of swine waste in the mixtures decreased, percentages of crude protein and ether extract decreased linearly and quadratically (P<0·0.01). Crude fiber increased linearly as the proportion of swine waste decreased in the mixtures (P<0·01). Ash increased linearly as the proportion of manure increased in the mixtures (P<0·01).