Ruminal kinetics and nutritive value of Zuri grass silage harvested at different ages and added with powder molasses.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regrowth ages and the use of powdered molasses on nutritional characteristics of Zuri grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silages. A completely randomized design was used, in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme: three regrowth ages (65, 80, and 95days) and three inclusion levels of powdered molasses of sugarcane (0, 20, and 40g), with four replications. The chemical composition, fermentation parameters, in vitro digestibility, and in vitro degradation kinetics of the silages were evaluated. Greater dry matter (DM) contents were observed in silages with 95days with 40g of molasses. The 65days of regrowth silages with 40g of molasses had greater in vitro digestibility of dry matter compared to other treatments. However, lower pH values, N-NH3, DM losses, gas losses, and density were observed in silages with 95days of regrowth with 40g of molasses. It is recommended to cut the Zuri grass in the range of 80 to 95days of regrowth with the addition of 40g/kg of molasses in powders for the production of silages.