Evaluation of the nutritional value of silage from stems and leaves of different Jerusalem artichoke varieties in an alpine region

The objective of the present study was to select Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) varieties with high yields and nutrition in an alpine area. Three varieties (17, 47, and 119) were planted and harvested at the bud stage to make silage from stems and leaves. The results were as follows: 1) There were significant differences in plant height and biomass (P<0.01) among the three varieties, with variety 119 having the highest plant height and biomass. 2) The pH and organic acid content of the silage showed significant differences among the three varieties (P<0.01). Variety 17 silage had the highest pH and lowest lactic acid content, whereas the other two varieties did not show significant differences (P>0.05). Variety 119 silage had the highest acetic acid and propionic acid content (0.71% and 0.60%, respectively). 3) The content of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude ash (Ash), and relative feeding value (RFV) were significantly different among the three varieties (P<0.05). The DM of variety 119 was higher than that of varieties 17 and 47. The lowest content of CP and Ash was found in variety 47, and there were no significant differences in CP and Ash between variety 17 and variety 119 (P>0.05). The NDF and ADF content of variety 119 was significantly lower than those of varieties 47 and 17. The RFV of variety 119 was significantly higher than that of varieties 17 and 47. In conclusion, variety 119 showed the best nutritional feed value and productivity in an alpine area in the present study.