Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inclusion of crambe bran concentrations (Crambe abyssinica Hochst.) with different specific masses in elephant grass silage (Penninsetum purpureum Schum.). For that, the bromatological and microbiological compositions of the experimental silages were determined. We used 48 mini silos distributed in a completely randomized design, arranged in a factorial 4 × 3, four levels of inclusion of crambe bran (0; 10; 20 and 30%) and three specific masses (400; 500 and 600 kg MN m-3), with four replications. After 240 days of fermentation the silos were opened. It was observed linear effect on DM, CP, NDFap, ADFap, HEM, LIG, NFC, TC and population of bacteria that produce lactic acid with the addition of crambe meal. There was interaction between the crambe bran factors and specific masses on the values of pH and N-NH3. For MM variables and yeast count there was a negative linear effect due to the evaluated specific mass. The inclusion of crambe bran helps to increase the fermentative profile and the bromatological composition of elephant grass silages studied, and the best results were obtained with the addition of 30% of this coproduct, based on the natural matter.
Highlights
The silage production of tropical grasses either in an area designed for direct production or as a way of using produced surplus in pasture or forage areas, during the favorable period of time to the forage growth, made up an interesting strategy for the livestock roughage supplementation (Faria et al, 2010)
In Brazil one of the main forage used for this goal is the elephant grass
Tropical grass silage requires some understanding about these forages specific fermentation profile, in order to get an adequate quality final product
Summary
The silage production of tropical grasses either in an area designed for direct production or as a way of using produced surplus in pasture or forage areas, during the favorable period of time to the forage growth, made up an interesting strategy for the livestock roughage supplementation (Faria et al, 2010). In Brazil one of the main forage used for this goal is the elephant grass Schum.), characterized by its high capacity of biomass production and proper nutritional value. Tropical grass silage requires some understanding about these forages specific fermentation profile, in order to get an adequate quality final product. In this case, when the cutting of these forages with good nutritional value is desired, the dry matter content (DM) is reduced (18 to 22%), which negatively influences both in the fermentation process, and promotes some. The reduced carbohydrate ratio (2.5% on average) constitutes an important obstacle for the exclusive tropical grasses silage (Muck, 2010; Santos et al, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
