Effects of broccoli stems and leaves and maize straw mix-ensiling on silage quality

Silages of withered stems and leaves of broccoli, fresh stems and leaves of broccoli and mixture of maize straw were evaluated by measuring sensory index, pH, crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates(WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acetic acid(AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), lactic acid (LA) and total acid (TA). The results showed that stems and leaves of broccoli withered to 75% water content with certain additive could be ensiled successfully; and WSC, LA, PA in the silage were significantly increased while pH value, BA were significantly reduced (P0.05) when the mix-ensiling ratio of broccoli waste to maize straw was 7∶3. This indicated that broccoli silage quality can be improved by addition of 30% maize straw.