Abstract
Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of urea ammoniation of pearl millet silage, at different compaction densities, on chemical composition, losses in the ensilage process, fermentation profile, microbial population count, and aerobic stability. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with two compaction densities (600 and 800 kg m-3) and four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% on a dry matter basis), with five replicates. For the aerobic stability assay, the experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with two times (0 and 72 hours) and four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%, on dry matter basis), with five replicates. The urea levels interacted significantly with density as to the contents of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, and as to dry matter recovery; and with exposure hours as to the contents of acid detergent fiber and lignin. Molds and yeasts were not observed in the ammoniated silages. The 800 kg m-3 density reduced losses in the fermentation process of pearl millet silage, and promoted better nutritive value than the compaction at 600 kg m-3. The use of urea does not reduce losses and does not improve the aerobic stability of silages; however, it controls mold growth after silage exposure to air.
Highlights
Ensiling is a forage-preservation technique based on the fermentation of lactic acid under anaerobic conditions
Forage plants are considered suitable for ensiling when they have the appropriate contents of dry matter and soluble carbohydrates, and buffer capacity
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of urea ammoniation of pearl millet silage, at different compaction densities, on the chemical composition, losses in the ensilage process, fermentation profile, microbial populations count, and aerobic stability
Summary
Ensiling is a forage-preservation technique based on the fermentation of lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. Forage plants are considered suitable for ensiling when they have the appropriate contents of dry matter and soluble carbohydrates, and buffer capacity. Values able to mitigate secondary fermentation losses (Trevisoli, 2014). The proper compaction of the ensiled material, coupled with the plant characteristics, allows of the adequate fermentation and minimum nutritional losses during ensiling and after silo opening. The pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Unlike other forage species, pearl millet is flexible for the harvest period, as it maintains good nutritional value even with the advance in its maturity (Brunette et al, 2016)
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