Effect of the Ratio Between Corn Forage and Pineapple Peel Waste on Ph, Lactic Acid, Ammonia, and Organic Matter Changes in Silage

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effects of different ratios of corn stover and pineapple peel waste on pH, lactic acid content, ammonia concentration, and changes in organic matter (OM) of silage as indicators of fermentation quality. The research was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: P1 (90% corn stover + 10% pineapple peel), P2 (80% + 20%), P3 (70% + 30%), and P4 (60% + 40%), each with five replications. The ensiling process lasted for 22 days under anaerobic conditions with the addition of 4% molasses. The results showed that variations in ingredient composition did not have a significant effect on pH, lactic acid content, or OM changes, but they had a significant effect on ammonia levels. The pH values ranged from 3.69 to 4.06, indicating stable fermentation. Lactic acid concentrations ranged from 1.30% to 1.46%, which is within the acceptable range for good-quality silage. Ammonia levels decreased as the proportion of pineapple peel increased, with the best results observed in P3 and P4, indicating lower protein degradation during fermentation. Changes in OM were relatively small across all treatments, reflecting consistent nutrient conservation efficiency. Overall, the combination of corn stover and pineapple peel waste was able to produce silage with good fermentation quality, with P3 and P4 providing the most optimal performance in reducing ammonia formation and maintaining organic matter integrity.