Forage quality of mixed silage containing citrus flesh and wheat husk

In order to utilize byproducts of orange peel and increase food resources for breeding, we examined the ensiling of citrus (Citrus reticulata) flesh and wheat (Triticum aestivum) husks at different ratios. The ensiling experiment contained six different treatment groups: three different mixing ratios (citrus: wheat 7∶3, 6∶4, and 5∶5) with and without the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum. The results showed that citrus flesh was rich in nutrients and had a high utilization value. The ether extract from the citrus flesh was 3.23 times more abundant than that of the wheat husks. By contrast, the contents of water-soluble carbohydrates contents in the citrus flesh were comparable with that of the wheat husks. The levels of crude ash, crude fibers, neutral detergent fibers, and acid detergent fibers were lower in the citrus flesh compared to the wheat husks. The optimal fermentation quality of the citrus flesh and wheat husks was obtained at a ratio of 7∶3. Furthermore, the addition of L. plantarum further enhanced the fermentation quality by reducing the pH to 3.56 and increased the lactic acid content to 5.92%. The addition of L. plantarum also reduced the contents of acetic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia nitrogen.