Impact of ensiling conditions on formation of biogenic amines in grass and legume silages and feed intake behaviour of goats

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Silage from small-grained legumes can enhance ruminant protein supply, but protein degradation during harvest and conservation hampers feed quality. The shift from protein nitrogen to non-protein nitrogen, including biogenic amines, negatively impacts feed intake. This study aimed to evaluate how ensiling conditions affect fermentation products, particularly biogenic amines, and their influence on the short-term dry matter intake (DMI) of silages in goats. It also investigated whether goats develop a preference for one of two forages based on odors or if ingestion is necessary for postingestive feedback. Six silages were produced from lucerne, red clover, and Italian ryegrass, followed by preference trials with Saanen-type goats. Each goat was offered a choice of silages and lucerne hay for 3 hours, with the first three minutes filmed to analyze feeding behavior. Results indicated that intense proteolysis did not lead to high biogenic amine levels, and within the measured range (1.2–4.1 g/kg DM), no significant impact on feed intake behavior was observed. While DMI varied significantly among treatments within each plant species, rankings across species were consistent. Goats displayed a preference for one of the two silages within the initial minutes of feeding, demonstrating that short video observations can effectively assess preference development.