Summary
This in vitro study compared rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial community dynamics when alfalfa hay was replaced by Glycyrrhiza stem and leaf semi-dry silage at three substitution levels (0%, 50%, 100%) in Holstein dairy cow diets. Results indicated that 50% replacement (G50A50) showed the most favourable overall fermentation profile, with significantly higher cumulative gas production at 24 hours and superior grey relational analysis scores (0.792), whilst full replacement (100%) resulted in reduced nutrient digestibility. The findings suggest that partial substitution of alfalfa with licorice silage warrants further investigation as a potential forage alternative in dairy nutrition.
Regional applicability
The findings may have limited direct UK applicability, as Glycyrrhiza cultivation and utilisation in UK dairy systems are not established practice. However, the methodological approach to evaluating novel forage alternatives could inform research into temperate forage options suitable for UK livestock farming.
Key measures
Cumulative gas production; pH; in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 24 h and 72 h; in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) at 12 h; in vitro acid detergent fibre digestibility (IVADFD) at 12, 24 and 72 h; rumen microbial community composition (LEfSe analysis); KEGG functional profiles; principal component analysis (PCA) and grey relational analysis (GRA) scores
Outcomes reported
The study measured in vitro rumen fermentation parameters, cumulative gas production, nutrient digestibility (dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fibre), and dynamic changes in rumen microbial community composition across 72 hours of fermentation. It evaluated the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with Glycyrrhiza (licorice) stem and leaf semi-dry silage at 0%, 50%, and 100% replacement levels.
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