Abstract
Chopped sugarcane was ensiled with and without the addition of aqueous ammonia (28% NH 3) in laboratory silos (4.5 kg NH 3/t sugarcane). The effect of the NH 3 on the pattern of fermentation was studied over a period of 42 days. Addition of NH 3 resulted in: (a) an initial decrease in the population of yeasts and moulds, and Lactobacillus organisms; (b) a reduction (47.9%) in weight loss; (c) a reduction (46.4%) in the loss of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC); (d) increased levels of lactic acid; and (e) lower levels of acid detergent fibre (ADF) when compared with untreated canelage (fermented, whole-plant sugarcane). In another experiment in which 205-litre drums were used as silos, addition of NH 3 (1.25 kg NH 3/t sugarcane) to chopped sugarcane also produced canelage with higher levels of lactic acid, more WSC, lower levels of ADF and a reduction in weight loss when compared with the control canelage.
Published Version
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