The effects of replacement of berseem hay in total mixed rations with date palm leaves ensiled with malic or lactic acids at different levels on the nutritive value, ruminal in vitro biogas production and fermentation

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the sustainable utilization of date palm leaves (DPL) and rice straw (RS) as feed materials for ruminants using an in vitro wireless gas production (GP) technique. Date RS were individually ensiled with lactic or malic acids at 5 g/kg DM 45 days. In a total mixed ration containing concentrate mixture, vegetable/fruits byproducts, untreated RS, berseem hay (control ration), was completely replaced treated (ensiled without additives acids) whereas DPL acid) 25, 50, 75, 100% levels. Significant treatment × replacement level interactions observed ( P < 0.01) most measured parameters gas, methane (CH 4 ) carbon dioxide (CO 2 productions, degradability volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Replacing increasing levels acid-treated gradually decreased asymptotic CH CO rates lag time GP. Moreover, linearly increased 0.05) concentration VFA acetate. Malic did not affect ruminal fermentation parameters. Compared malate-treated DPL, lactate-treated dry matter neutral detergent fiber degradability, acetate concentrations, production. conclusion, replacing improved which can be considered strategy cleaner ruminant Lactic may result better characteristics than DPL. Graphical abstract