Forage Yield of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauvois) and Its Some Quality and Nutritional Values of Fodder and Silages Obtained from Different Morphological Parts and Silages with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Year 2025, Volume: 30 Issue: 1, 67 - 75, 23.06.2025

Gülcan Demiroğlu Topçu , Sebahattin Boyacı , Hazım Serkan Tenikecier , Ertan Ateş

https://doi.org/10.17557/tjfc.1563362

Abstract

The research was carried out in the 2022 and 2023 summer growing seasons in Muğla province, which is under the influence of the Coastal Mediterranean Climate, according to the randomized complete block design with three replications. The 2022 and 2023 summer growing seasons to determine the
forage yield of foxtail millet and some of its nutritional values of its fodder and silages, obtained from different morphological parts and in combination with alfalfa. The fresh fodder yield (t ha-1), dry fodder yield (t ha-1), crude ash ratio (%) crude protein ratio (%), dry matter ratio (%), ADF (%), NDF (%), digestible dry matter (DDM, %), dry matter intake (DMI, %), total digestible nutrients (TDN, %), net energy-lactation (Nel, Mcal lb-1), net energy-maintenance (NEm, Mcal lb-1), net energy-gain (Neg, Mcal lb-1), relative feed value (RFV, %), pH, fleig score were determined from dry fodder, silage and foxtail millet-alfalfa
silages. The characteristics which were examined in the study determined statistically significant at P˂0.01. Fresh fodder yield and dry fodder yields were varied between 14.50-20.95 t ha-1 and 4.71-7.31 t ha-1 respectively. The highest crude protein ratio (16.76%), dry matter ratio (42.06%), crude ash ratio (7.83%), DDM (67.95%), DMI (2.71%), TDN (65.42%), NEl (0.68 Mcal lb-1 ), NEm (0.73 Mcal lb-1 ) NEg (0.40 Mcal lb-1), RFV (142.92%) and the lowest ADF (26.89%) and NDF (44.23%) were determined from spike of foxtail millets‘s dry fodder. The highest crude protein (14.82%) was determined in silage from leaf, the lowest ADF (38.80%) and NDF (54.76%), the highest TDN (51.73%), DDM (58.67%), DMI (2.20%), Nel (0.52 Mcal lb-1 ), NEm (0.55 Mcal lb-1) and RFV (100.49%) were determined in silage from spike, the highest dry matter
ratio (92.61%) was determined in stem, the lowest pH (4.56, 4.93 and 5.92) and the highest flieg score (207.06, 192.53 and 186.49) were determined in whole plant, leaf and spike of foxtail millet silages. The highest crude protein (22.92%), dry matter ratio (93.13%), TDN (60.15%), DDM (64.62%), DMI (2.48%), Nel (0.62 Mcal lb-1), NEm (0.66 Mcal lb-1) and RFV (124.42), the lowest ADF and NDF (31.71% and (48.33%) were determined in %100 alfalfa silage. The highest fleig score (215.27) was determined in 75% Seteria + 25% Alfalfa silage. It can be concluded that; the foxtail millet hay is seen to be sufficient on its own when evaluated in terms of some forage quality aspects and nutritional value. Foxtail millet can be ensiled into reasonable silage, but the quality can be improved with the addition of alfalfa or different legumes or other protein sources.

Keywords

Foxtail millet , hay , silage , forage quality , nutritive value

Ethical Statement

-

Supporting Institution

-

Project Number

-

Thanks

-

References

• Acikgoz, N., Ilker, E. & Gokcol, A. (2004). Assessment of biological research on the computer. EU TOTEM No. 2, Izmir, Turkey.
• Adiyaman, E., Cal, H., Keskin, G. & Ayhan, V. (2014). Effects of fulvic acid on ensiling properties of alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.). Reserach Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 7(2), 60-63.
• AOAC (2019). Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The 21s t Ed Maryland, USA. Arbabi, S. & Ghoorchi, T. (2008). The effect of different levels of molasses as silage additives on fermentation quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) silage. Asian Journal of Animal Science, 2, 43-50. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajas.2008.43.50
• Atalay, M. & Ates, E. (2020). Effect of different nitrogen doses on yield and some quality properties in sorghum x Sudan grass hybrids (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench x Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) cultivars under Edirne ecological conditions. Bilecik Seyh Edebali University Journal of Science, 7, 221-230. https://dio.org/10.35193/bseufbd.715571
• Ates, E. & Tenikecier, H. S. (2022a). Content of isoflavones and macro elements in five clover species (Trifolium spp.) grown on pasture: the influence of a slope aspect. Journal of Elementology, 27(2), 379-392. https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2022.27.2.2240
• Ates, E. & Tenikecier, H. S. (2022b). Effect of phosphorus fertilization on silage quality of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.). Current Trends in Natural Sciences, 11(21), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.47068/ctns.2022.v11i21.003
• Baltensperger, D. D. (2001). Foxtail and proso millet. In: Progress in New Crop, Janick (Ed.). ASHS Press, Alendria, VA, ISBN: 0961502738
• Dagtekin, Z., Hatipoglu, R., Yucel. C. (2020). Agro-morphological and hay quality characteristics of some foxtail millet (Seteria italica (L.) P. Beauv) genotypes under Cukurova Conditions. ISPEC Journal of Agricultural Science, 4(3), 422–434. https://doi.org/10.46291/ISPECJASvol4iss3pp422-434
• Dastenal, M. V., Mirhadi, M. J. & Mehrani, A. (2012). The study and comparison of 3 foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) cultivars in different phenological stages in Karaj region. Technical Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2(3), 62-68.
• Demiroglu Topçu, G. and Kahya, M. E. (2023). Determination of some silage properties of mixture of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Research Journal of Biology Sciences, 16(1), 8-15. (In Turkish)
• Duzgunes, O., Kesici, T., Kavuncu, O. & Gurbuz, F. (1987). Research and Experimental Methods (Statistical Methods II). Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture Press, No.1021, Ankara, Turkey (In Turkish).
• Essig, H. W. (1985). Quality and antiquality components. In: Taylor NL (ed), Clover Science and Technology, ASA, CSSA, SSSA, South Segue Road, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
• Genckan, M. S. (1983). Forage Crops Agriculture, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture Publications No: 467, Ege University Press, Izmir, Turkey.
• Ghimire, B. K., Yu, C. Y., Kim S. H. & Chung, I. M. (2019). Assessment of diversity in the accessions of Setaria italica L. based on phytochemical and morphological traits and ISSR markers. Molecules, 24, 1486. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081486
• Hamilton, I. R., Catchpole, V. R., Lambourne, L. J. & Korr, J. D. (1978). The preservation of a Nandi Setaria silage and its feeding value for dairy cows. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, 18, 16-24.
• Hatipoglu, R. & Tukel, T. (2009). Millets. In: Forage Crops, Volume 3: Grasses and Other Family Forage Crops. Eds: Avcıoglu, R., Hatipoglu, R., Karadag, Y., Ankara, Turkey (In Turkish).
• Heuzé, V., Tran, G. & Sauvant, D. (2015). Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica), Forage. Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/382
• Johnson, H. E., Merry, R. J., Davies, D. R., Kell, D. B., Theodorou, M. K. & Griffith, G. W. (2005). Vacuum packing: a model system for laboratory‐scale silage fermentations. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 98(1), 106‒113. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02444.x
• Karaer, M., Kardes, Y. M., Gulumser, E, Mut, H. & Gultas, H. T. (2024). The effect of different irrigation level and nitrogen doses on the silage yield and quality of sorghum × sudan grass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor L. × Sorghum sudanese). Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 29(2), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.17557/tjfc.1491853
• Kilic, A. (1986). Silo Feed (Production, Learning and Application Recommendations). Bilgehan Publishing, Izmir, Turkey (In Turkish).
• Kosolapov, V. M., Shpakov, A. S., Laretin, N. A., Kutuzova, A. A., Teberdiev, D. M., Privalova, Ph. D., Pobednov, Yu. A., Trofimov, I. A., Volovik, V. T. & Prologova, T. V. (2014). Methodological Guidance of the Forage Production Organization in Specialized Milk and Meat Production Livestock Farms in the Non-Black Earth Zone of Russia. Rosselkhozakademiya's Printing House, Moscow, Russia.
• Kosolapov, V. M., Shamsutdinov, Z. Sh. & Ivshin, G. I. (2015). Main Species and Varieties of Forage Crops: Results of The Scientific Activities of The Central Breeding Center. Nauka, Moscow, Russia.
• Lu, Y., Zhao, Y., Xia, X., Liu, M., Wei, Z., Wang, J., Liu, J., Cui, J. & Li, S. (2024). Evaluation of nitrogen fertilizer supply and soil nitrate thresholds for high yields of foxtail millet. Agriculture, 14, 1711. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101711
• Mohajer, S., Dastenai, M. V. & Taha, R. M. (2011). Comparative studies of 3 forage quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) cultivars at different phenological stages in Karaj Region, Iran. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 9(2), 304-308.
• Mohajer, S., Taha, R. M., Khorasani, A. & Mubarak, E. E. (2013). Comparative studies of forage yield and quality trait among proso millet, foxtail millet and sainfoin varieties. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 4(5), 465-469. https://doi.org/10.7763/IJESD.2013.V4.395
• Nematpour, A., Eshghizadeh, H. R., Zahedi, M. & Ghorbani, G. R. (2020). Millet forage yield and silage quality as affected by water and nitrogen application at different sowing dates. Grass Forage Science, 75, 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12475
• NRC (2001). National Research Council. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. 7. Ed. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC., USA.
• Olak, H. & Tan, M. (2016). The effects of different nitrogen doses on yield and some traits of foxtail millet (Panicum italicum L.). Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology, 6(2), 131-138. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.2016218856
• Ozturk, D., Kizilsimsek, M., Kamalak, A., Canbolat, O. & Ozkan, C. (2006). Effects of ensiling alfalfa with wholecrop maize on the chemical composition and nutritive value of silage mixtures. Animal Bioscience, 19(4), 526- 532. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2006.526
• Peiretti, P. G. & Tassone, S. (2016). Nutritive quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) grass, hay and silage, and seed fatty acid profile. Cuban Journal of Agricultural Science, 50(1), 151-160.
• Pereira, D. S., Lana, R. de P., do Carmo, D. L. & da Costa, Y. K. S. (2019). Chemical composition and fermentative losses of mixed sugarcane and pigeon pea silage. Acta Scientiarum Animal Sciences, 41(1), e43709. https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v41i1.43709
• Reed, J. D. & Van Soest, P. J. (1984). Estimating the nutritive value of crop residue and agro-industrial by-products by chemical methods. Proceedings of the FAO/ILCA Expert Consultation 5–9 March, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Rohweder, D. A., Barnes, R. F. & Jorgensen, N. (1978). Proposed hay grading standards based on laboratory analyses for evaluating quality. Journal of Animal Science, 47, 747-759.
• Schroeder, J. W. (1994). Interpreting Forage Analysis. Extension Dairy Specialist (NDSU), AS-1080, North Dakota State University, USA.
• Skerman, P. J. & Riveros, F. (1990). Tropical Grasses. FAO Plant Production and Protection Series, No: 23, Rome, Italy.
• Stodart, L. A., Cook, C. V. & Harris, L. E. (1975). Determining the digestibility and metabolisable energy of winter range plant by sheep. Journal of Animal Science, 11, 578-590.
• Tao, L., Zhou, H., Zhang, N., Si, B., Tu, Y., Ma, T. & Diao, Q. (2017). Effects of different source additives and wilt conditions on the pH value, aerobic stability, and carbohydrate and protein fractions of alfalfa silage. Animal Science Journal, 88, 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12599
• Tenikecier, H. S. & Ates, E. (2018). Chemical composition of six grass species (Poaceae sp.) from protected forest range in Northern Bulgaria. Asian Journal of Applied Science, 11, 71-75. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajaps.2018.71.75
• Tenikecier, H. S. & Ates, E. (2022). Impact of salinity on germination and seedling growth of four cool-season turfgrass species and cultivars. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 31, 1813-1821. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/142965
• Tenikecier, H. S. & Ates, E. (2024). Effect of adding different ratios of oat (Avena sativa L.) cracks on the silage quality of fodder pea (Pisum arvense L.). ISPEC Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 8, 638-646. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12607765
• Van Soest, P. J., Robertson, J. B. & Lewis, B. A. (1991). Methods for dietary fibre, neutral detergent fibre, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science, 74: 3583–3597.
• Zhang, Q., Zhao, M., Wang, X., Yu, Z. & Na, R. (2017). Ensiling alfalfa with whole crop corn improves the silage quality and in vitro digestibility of the silage mixtures. Grassland Science, 63, 211-217. https://doi.org/10.1111/grs.12168