<![CDATA[Coffee husk waste holds great potential as ruminant feed, yet it requires fermentation technology to improve its quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Direct-Fed Microbial (DFM) dosage and fermentation duration on the quality of coffee husk silage. A completely randomized design (CRD) with a 3×4 factorial arrangement and four replications was employed. Factor A consisted of DFM dosages (2%, 5%, and 7%), while Factor B comprised fermentation durations (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Observed parameters included aroma, texture, color, fungal presence, dry matter (DM), dry matter loss (DML), pH, and Fleigh score. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS version 27, and mean comparisons were performed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level. The results demonstrated that DFM dosage and fermentation duration significantly affected (P<0.05) aroma, texture, DM, DML, pH, Fleigh score, and fungal presence, but had no significant effect on color (P>0.05). The interaction between DFM dosage and fermentation duration was significant for most parameters (P<0.05), except for color (P=0.9680), while the effect of fermentation duration alone was not significant for pH (P=0.0793) and fungal presence (P=0.1229). The best treatment was obtained from the combination of 5% DFM (A2) with 14–21 days of fermentation (B2–B3), which produced the highest Fleigh score (93.2), the lowest pH (4.34), minimal dry matter loss (4.81%), and superior scores for aroma and texture. The 7% DFM dosage increased dry matter loss and reduced texture quality during extended fermentation, while fermentation for 28 days decreased overall quality due to fiber degradation and increased fungal contamination. In conclusion, the application of 5% DFM with 14–21 days of fermentation is recommended to produce coffee husk silage with good fermentation quality and low fungal contamination; however, further studies are required to confirm its nutritional value and safety for buffalo feed.]]>
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