Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and fermentation quality of silage from two sorghum hybrids in different layers of the silo feed-out face, as well as the interference of the aerobic exposure time of structured and/or unstructured silo face (after feed-out). The AG-2005E hybrid silage presented higher crude protein content and higher pH compared to hybrid AG-60298 (6.33% and 4.0 versus 6.06% and 3.8, respectively). Silages from stratum 0 to 20cm had the lowest dry matter content and the highest crude protein content (38% and 6.35%, respectively). The pH did not differ between layers, and the NH3 content was higher in the stratum 60 to 80cm (4.5%). During 72 hours of aerobic exposure, the unstructured silage presented a higher increase in temperature than the silage from the structured face, but this period was not enough to result in differences in dry matter, mineral matter, NH3, and pH. The chemical and fermentation quality of the silage was directly influenced by hybrid and silo stratum. After aerobic exposure, silage from the structured face seems to suffer less interference compared to the silo feed-out face.
Highlights
Sorghum is often used in animal feed, most commonly as silage
The interaction (HS*exposure time of the silage; (EM*TE))ij1 was initially tested, but due to the low magnitude, it was removed from the statistical model
Even though at the harvest time the two hybrids had similar dry matter content, after opening the silos, the silage of hybrid AG-60298 recorded lower dry matter than hybrid AG-2005E (38.3% and 42.1%, respectively; Table 2), which may be a reflection of the greater specific mass in the silage of hybrid AG60298 (516.4 against 422.5 kg NM m-3; Table 1), which according to Loures[8], leads to greater production and/or losses as effluent and consequent increase in the dry matter content
Summary
Sorghum is often used in animal feed, most commonly as silage. In addition to being a good alternative feed for ruminants, recent studies have pointed out the use of sorghum silage to feed equines[1], increasing the need for understanding its quality.As with other types of preserved foods, sorghum silage may have its nutritional value altered due to the procedures adopted for production, preservation, and use, through biochemical and microbiological phenomena occurring before and during the fermentation process, as well as in the silo feeding phase.Handling after opening the silo is essential to maintain the quality of the silage, as a few hours of exposure to atmospheric air can compromise the entire storage process. In addition to being a good alternative feed for ruminants, recent studies have pointed out the use of sorghum silage to feed equines[1], increasing the need for understanding its quality. As with other types of preserved foods, sorghum silage may have its nutritional value altered due to the procedures adopted for production, preservation, and use, through biochemical and microbiological phenomena occurring before and during the fermentation process, as well as in the silo feeding phase. According to Montes et al[3], these changes in silage are accompanied by an increase in pH, temperature, and ammonia nitrogen concentration. Monitoring these variables during the feed-out phase is important to assess the losses that have occurred
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
