Bioactive Additives for Alfalfa Silage: Impacts on Fermentation Dynamics and Milk Fatty Acid Profiles
Grass and Forage Science, cilt.81, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 81 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1111/gfs.70091
- Dergi Adı: Grass and Forage Science
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Periodicals Index Online, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: alfalfa silage, lipolysis, milk fat and composition, polyphenol, proteolysis, sucrose
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study evaluated the efficacy of tea polyphenol extract (TP, 4 g/kg DM), oak tannin extract (OT, 15 g/kg DM), and sucrose (S, 10 g/kg DM) on alfalfa ensiling dynamics and the subsequent performance and milk fatty acid composition in mid-lactation dairy cows. Seven multiparous Simmental cows were assigned to the treatments in a switch-back design, with each period lasting 21 days. Within the evaluated silos, TP and OT silages appeared to exhibit enhanced proteolysis inhibition, evidenced by higher crude protein (CP) content and reduced protein loss compared to C and S silages (p < 0.05). The additive treated silages were characterized by improved fermentation quality, showing elevated lactic acid and decreased butyric acid concentrations (p < 0.05). TP supplementation was associated with a mitigation of lipolysis, facilitating the preservation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p < 0.05). Overall, milk fat and lactose concentrations remained largely unaffected by polyphenol supplementation; however, a concurrent decline in milk protein content was observed (p < 0.05), which was significantly influenced by the treatment × period interaction (p = 0.0161). Statistically significant differences were detected among treatment groups regarding ΣSFA, ΣPUFA, and the PUFA/SFA ratio (p < 0.05). Consequently, under the current experimental conditions, TP extract showed potential in mitigating lipolysis in silage and reducing PUFA loss, while OT extract appeared more conducive to preserving endogenous PPO activity. Overall, the supplementation suggested a capacity to enhance the nutritional quality of milk fat by selectively reducing ΣSFA and ω−6 fatty acid concentrations without compromising production performance, although the observed decline in milk protein remains a critical factor for application.