Storage Duration and Ration Dry Matter Content Determine Preservation Efficiency of Partial Mixed Ration Silage Containing Wet Distillers Bran Plus Solubles: An Applied Study

Partial mixed ration silage is an applied strategy to preserve high-moisture agro-industrial by-products while maintaining feeding flexibility in ruminant production systems. This applied study evaluated the effects of storage duration and ration dry matter content on preservation efficiency of partial mixed ration silage containing wet Distillers bran plus solubles. Treatments included wet Distillers bran plus solubles ensiled alone, a total mixed ration, and partial mixed rations formulated with fibrous or energetic dry ingredients. Silages were stored for 60 and 120 days, and water-holding capacity, dry matter losses, effluent production, and aerobic stability were evaluated. Water-holding capacity differed among ingredients and mixtures, influencing effluent losses during storage. Dry matter losses and effluent production increased with storage duration, particularly in silages with lower dry matter content. Total mixed ration and partial mixed rations formulated with soybean hulls showed reduced losses and greater aerobic stability compared with wet Distillers bran plus solubles ensiled alone. These results demonstrate that preservation efficiency of partial mixed ration silage is primarily determined by formulation and storage management, highlighting practical strategies to improve utilization of wet Distillers bran plus solubles in ruminant feeding systems.