This study was planned to ascertain the effect of inclusion of urea, biological inoculant, fiber degrading enzymes and molasses on chemical composition, in vitro utilization and degradability of paddy straw silage. Urea was used @0%, 1% and 2%. Molasses (M) was added @0%, 3% and 6%. Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) @ 2.4x106 cfu/g and enzymes (no addition, xylanase or cocktail) @ 50 g/100 kg paddy straw were included in some treatments and excluded in others. The DM, ADL, NDICP and ADICP were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) and NDF, hemicellulose and cellulose showed a significant decline (p<0.05) with the inclusion of urea @1% and molasses@6%. Lactobacillus inclusion caused a significant decline in NDF, ADF and silica (p<0.05). Evaluation of in vitro utilization showed significantly higher (p<0.05) NGP, ml, OMD, mg, OMD,% , DMD, % , MCP,% and ME, MJ/kg DM with urea@1%, molasses@6% and with the inclusion of Lactobacillus plantarum and cocktail enzyme.

Highlights

• Urea@1% and molasses@6% increased DM, ADL. NDICP and ADICP while lowering NDF, Hemicellulose and cellulose significantly.
• Supplementation of urea@1%, molasses@6%, inclusion of Lactobacillus and cocktail of enzymes significantly increased in vitro utilization.