Possible ensiling of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) residues

The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of ensiling pumpkin residues alone and with forage. For this purpose, chemical composition, nutritive values, and in vitro gas production of pumpkin residue silages were investigated. Pumpkin residue (PR), maize fodder (M), sugar beet pulp (SBP), and pomegranate pulp (PP) were ensiled alone, and pumpkin residues were ensiled with maize (PRM), sugar beet pulp (PRSB), and pomegranate pulp (PRP) in 50% (50:50 w:w) of each, as well as with 5% wheat straw (PRS) and alfalfa hay (PRA). After 2 months of storage, chemical compositions and Fleig scores of the silages were determined. Metabolic energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) values were determined with the aid of 24-h net gas production. It was concluded that pumpkin residues could be used as a quality silage source, and that sugar beet pulp and pomegranate pulp supplementation might improve the basic chemical composition and quality of the silage. Furthermore, 5%-10% alfalfa hay could be supplemented into pumpkin silage to increase DM level.