Effect of Quebracho Tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley and T. Meyer) on Silage Nutritive Value, Ergovaline Concentration, and Fermentation Parameters of Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort) with Two Dry-Matter Levels

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort) is a cool-season forage grown in the mid-south United States of America that has potential for spring silage. Ergovaline produced by fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum preserved tall silage and can induce toxicosis livestock. Condensed tannins, such as quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley T. Meyer) extract, bind to nitrogenous components ergovaline, rendering it ineffective ruminant. Quebracho tannin (QT) also crude protein, reducing its conversion ammonia. was either not added (0QT) or at 10 (10QT) 20 (20QT) g/kg dry matter (DM) chopped endophyte-infected 670 moisture (high moisture, HM) 440 (low LM). A × QT interaction affected final pH (p = 0.02), with lowest observed HM silages 0QT 10QT. The ergovaline concentrations were significantly different 0.19) among post-ensiled forages. Ammonia (g/kg DM) 0.05), greater compared 10QT, 20QT, LM 20QT. Lactic acid decreased 0.05) addition QT. 0.02) resulted higher acetic 20QT total < 0.01) but did differ 0.54) across concentrations. Ensiling reduce concentrations, although proteolysis reduced inclusion silages. results indicate additive showed promise modifying characteristics low levels used this study.