Effects of homofermentative and heterofermentative bacterial silage inoculants on potato hash silage fermentation and digestibility in rams

Potato hash, a by-product from the food processing industry, was mixed with wheat bran (70:30) as fed basis and ensiled in 210 l drum for 3 months. Three types of potato hash silages were prepared which were: the control (no additives), bonsilage forte (BF, a homofermentative additive) and Lalsil Fresh LB (LFLB, a heterofermentative additive). After 3 months, the silos were opened and sampled for fermentation characteristics. Diets were produced by mixing potato hash silage with soybean meal (90:10) as fed basis and a digestibility study was conducted using five South African Mutton Merino rams (37.2 ± 2.21 kg live weight) per diet. Inoculating potato hash silage with BF and LFLB reduced ( P