Thirumeignanam, DChellapandian, MArulnathan, NTANUVAS2020-07-072020-07-072020http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810148828TNV_ANFT_2020_20(51-60)The effects of supplementation of graded levels of Acacia nilotica pods on the characteristics and in vitro rumen fermentation of hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) silage were evaluated in this study. Laboratory-scale silages were prepared in triplicates by adding Acacia nilotica pods (ANP) equivalent to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent (w/w) of tannin to fixed quantity of hedge lucerne forage. Following 45d of ensiling, the silage characteristics, in vitro nutrient digestibility, total gas, methane and ammonia production were evaluated. The results revealed that there was an increase (P<0.01) in the DM and total VFA contents of the silages accompanying a reduction (P<0.01) in pH value, CP andammonia-N contents at higher tannin levels. However, in-vitro CP degradability (P<0.01) and methane production (P<0.05) were significantly reduced in hedge lucerne silage supplemented with 3% tannin equivalent of ANP than 5% tannin level. It was concluded that supplementation of graded levels (up to 5%) of tannin equivalent of Acacia nilotica pods in hedge lucerne silage improved the quality of silage, but reduction of in vitro ruminal protein degradability and methane gas production was possible only at 3% tannin equivalent level.enVeterinary ScienceArticle