Quality assessment of ensiled hybrid Napier grass by in-vitro fermentation techniques

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate silage made from hybrid Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) ensiled in the laboratory using various additives with regard to sensory and chemical characteristics. Four different silages were prepared viz., grass ensiled without additives (GS) as control, and grass silage with Lactobacillus plantarum at 1 x 105 CFU per gram of fresh forage (GSL), grass silage with propionic acid at the rate 0.45 kg per ton of fodder (GSA), and grass silage with combination of Lactobacillus plantarum (1 x 105 CFU per gram of fresh forage) and propionic acid (0.45 kg per ton of fodder) (GSLA). Silage was opened on 21 days of ensiling and assessed the sensory and chemical characteristics. From the overall results, it could be concluded that hybrid Napier grass, ensiled for 21 days using L. plantarum was effective in preserving its nutritive value.