Ensiling characteristics and in vitro rumen fermentation of Sesbania grandiflora pods prepared with inhibitory and stimulatory additives

Abstract Limited research has been conducted on the ensiling characteristics of Sesbania grandiflora pods (SGP) for ruminant production. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of silage additives on ensiling characteristics and in vitro rumen fermentation of SGP. A completely randomized design included three treatments: control (untreated), formic acid (FA) at 7.5 mL/kg fresh matter (FM) as an inhibitor, and sugarcane molasses at 50 g/kg FM with Lactobacillus casei TH14 at 1.0 × 105 colony forming units/g FM (MO + TH14) as a stimulator. The ensiling process lasted 30 days. SGP material showed high levels of soluble true protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, it also exhibited low in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and the presence of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a critical toxic compound. Compared to the control, both additives reduced ensiling loss, pH (≤ 3.82), butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen levels. Compared to the other treatments, the MO + TH14 treatment showed greater concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionic acid, while reducing in vitro CH4 emission intensities expressed as g/kg IVDMD and mol/mol total VFAs. In conclusion, the results highlight the nutritive value and phytochemical composition of SGP, demonstrating the significant impact of MO + TH14 as a stimulatory additive in enhancing lactic acid fermentation, improving nutritive value, and reducing in vitro CH4 emission intensities in SGP silage. The detection of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in SGP represents a significant toxicological concern with potential implications for food and feed safety, warranting further investigation into its source and associated risks. Further research is essential to test SGP silage in vivo to ensure its benefits and limitations in ruminant production.