We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
The optimization of ensiling untreated soybeans with corn grains to increase nutrient availability while reducing energy usage during feed processing and treatment. (SilSoy)
Project
Project code: E/23/01, 7070
Contract period: 01.09.2023
- 30.06.2024
Budget: 38,651 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: Ensiling, Soybean
The aim of the project is to test the ensilability of soybeans with corn grains and to investigate the degradation of antinutritive substances (trypsin inhibitors) to increase nutrient availability during ensiling. The optimal proportion of corn grain as a co-substrate for ensiling is to be determined. For the feeding of pigs or poultry, soybeans must be toasted in order to reduce the content of antinutritional ingredients such as trypsin inhibitors. In the international literature, there is evidence of a reduction in these contents as a result of microbial activity during the short-term fermentation of soybean meal. The ensilability of soybeans has not yet been investigated, but is not recommended due to the high protein content of the beans. The use of corn grains as a co-substrate could significantly improve the ensilability of soybeans. In contrast to fermentation, the ensiling of corn grain silage is an established process in practice. By avoiding drying and toasting for the use of domestic soybeans in the feeding of pigs or poultry, energy requirements, emissions and labour costs could be significantly reduced. A laboratory silage trial will be carried out in mason jars according to the specifications of the current DLG testing guidelines (DLG, 2018) for ensiling agents. Various mixing ratios of soybeans and corn grains as well as the effect of ensiling additives are examined. Practical recommendations for pig and poultry nutrition as well as ruminant feeding are derived.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Animal nutrition
- Process engineering