ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding chestnut tannins to complete feed silage in vitro. A completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications was used in the manufacture of complete feed silage. The treatment in question is T1 = Complete Feed. Furthermore, for T2, T3, T4, and T5 each added chestnut tannins (% DM) 0.50; 1; 1.50; and 2%, then ensiled for 30 days, dried, and floured to a size of 1 mm, then tested in vitro. The parameters measured were post-incubation rumen pH and rumen fermentation products (ammonia and total VFA). The data obtained were analyzed based on analysis of variance and if there was a significant effect between treatments, then Duncan's test was continued at a 5% level. The results of this study showed that the use of chestnut tannins as a silage additive to synthesize complete feed had a significant effect (P<0.05) on ammonia with an average value ranging from 15.2 to 17.1 mM. Overall ammonia concentration in each treatment was still within normal limits, i.e., 6–21 mmol/l. Post-incubation rumen pH and total VFA were not affected by chestnut tannins, but the values of these two variables were still within normal limits. The conclusion of this study is that the addition of 0.50% DM chestnut tannins in complete feed silage can stabilize the pH of post-incubation rumen fluid and rumen fermentation products in vitro.
