Comparative quality assessment of the grain silage based on vetch-oat mixture and wheat in the Vologda region

The article is devoted to a comparative laboratory study of grain silage produced from a vetch-oat mixture and wheat grain silage, presenting the results. Their quality has been assessed as a result of comparing actual indicators with the requirements of GOST R (State Standard Russia) 58145-2018, as well as determining the feed quality class. The study used standard laboratory methods for analyzing nutritional value, digestibility, and the content of major components. As it follows from the study, the moisture content in the samples has been within 50-54%, which is acceptable for storage. The dry matter content in both feed types have exceeded the standard values by more than 10%, indicating good quality. The vetch-oat grain silage has demonstrated a higher crude protein content (10.71%) compared to wheat (9.25%), while maintaining optimal fiber and ash levels. There have also been differences in digestible protein, NDF, ADF, carotene, and macronutrient content. The feed value of grain silage made from the vetch-oat mixture has been higher than that of wheat, as evidenced by feed unit values (0.63 kg) and metabolizable energy (8.84 MJ/kg). However, both feeds have had negative RNB values, indicating nitrogen deficiency. In conclusion, vetch-oat grain silage has corresponded to Quality Class I, while wheat grain silage has been classified as Quality Class II.