Silage Dry Matter Content Research Articles

Ensiling sugar beets: Effect of mixer feed used for co-ensiling on fermentation products and losses when ensiled in vacuum bags

Co-ensiling beets with other feeds allows for year-round feeding of beets and reduces the risk of dry matter (DM) loss as effluent from the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of co-ensiling high DM beets with maize and grass/clover silage, grass seed straw, fresh beet pulp, and high DM concentrates (dried beet pulp, wheat distillers’ grain solubles; DDGS, wheat bran, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, soybean hulls, and maize gluten feed) on gaseous weight loss (GWL), loss of effluents, and silage quality. Beets from harvest year 2021 were used to produce two sets of silages in laboratory silos, resulting in a total of 2 pure beet silages and 12 mixed beets silages. GWL was measured by weighing the laboratory silos until 181 days of ensiling. Fermentation was terminated by freezing after 30, 92, and 181 days of ensiling where loss of effluent was also measured. Total GWL was highest in the two pure beet silages (mean ± SEM; 282 ± 5.47 and 250 ± 7.94 g/kg DM, respectively), and differed among the mixed silages depending on mixer feed. Effluent was only observed in the pure beet silage in Set 1. Silage DM content at 181 days of ensiling was lowest for the two pure beet silages (180 ± 10.9 and 165 ± 5.95 g/kg). For all silages, pH was below 4.25 by 30 days of ensiling. Ethanol concentrations at 181 days of ensiling were highest in the two pure beet silages (345 ± 11.5 and 287 ± 11.8 g/kg DM). L-lactate content of pure beet silages was 38.4 ± 1.85 and 31.1 ± 1.21 g/kg DM at 181 days of ensiling. In Set 1, L-lactate content was lower in beets ensiled with maize silage, grass seed straw, dried beet pulp, or DDGS compared to pure beet silage. In Set 2, L-lactate content was higher in beets ensiled with maize gluten feed compared to pure beet silage. Silage concentration of NH3 varied depending on mixer feed. The NH3 content at 181 days of ensiling was 0.817 ± 0.626 and 2.05 ± 0.601 g/kg DM for pure beet silages and was highest in beets ensiled with grass/clover silage in both silage sets (16.4 ± 0.63 and 17.6 ± 0.60 g/kg DM). Co-ensiling beets with forages, high DM concentrates, and protein-rich feeds included in this study lowered fermentation weight loss, eliminated the loss of effluent, and resulted in silages of good fermentation quality.

Effects of Different Synthetic and Organic Fertilizer Applications on the Micromorphological Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.) Leaves and Some Silage Quality Traits

Background: Fertilization is an important cultural practice used to support plant growth and development. Fertilizers provide plants with the nutrients they need, which help them to photosynthesize, grow and develop. Fertilizers are divided into two groups: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers are derived from organic materials such as manure, compost and bat guano. Synthetic fertilizers are produced using chemical methods. Methods: This study was conducted to determine the effects of different synthetic and organic fertilizer applications on silage quality and some micromorphological characteristics in maize plants. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The RX-9292 silage maize variety was used as the plant material. Six different organic and synthetic fertilizer types with different contents (Control, Synthetic Fertilizer-1 (20 kg N, 8 kg P and 8 kg K per decare), Synthetic Fertilizer-2 (20 kg N, 10 kg P and 10 kg K per decare), Poultry Manure, Cattle Manure and Vermicompost). were used in the study. The ADF (%) (Acid Detergent Insoluble Fiber), NDF (%) (Neutral Detergent Insoluble Fiber), ADL (%) (Acid Detergent Insoluble Lignin), SDMR (%); (Silage Dry Matter Content) properties of the silage obtained were then examined. Additionally, the thickness of the cuticle, number and size of stoma-epidermis cells and stoma index of the leaves were measured and observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Result: As a result of the measurements and observations, it was found that both synthetic and organic fertilizer applications increased the yield and quality values in silage maize, but synthetic fertilizer applications were more advantageous than organic fertilizers. However, considering the environmental damage of synthetic fertilizers and the importance of organic fertilizer applications for animal health, organic fertilization is thought to be more appropriate.

Evaluation of fermentation progress during storage of millet stovers silage based on pH-indicators

This study aimed at evaluating the fermention levels of pearl millet [Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) R. Br] stovers silage during storage based on pH evolution. A completely randomized experimental design in a 6×2×2 factorial scheme with three replications for each treatment was used to evaluate three factors (6 cultivars, 2 different cutting stages, and with or without salt addition to the cultivars). The silages were prepared in plastic bags and stored for 60 days at room temperature. The results revealed that the pH values of the treatments were significantly (P < 0.05) higher on the first day than in the other periods and a rapid drop in pH, with significant differences (P < 0.05), to levels below 4 was obtained on the third day of storage for the majority of local Sadoré and Siaka Millet silages (Niger). Four types of pH evolution were recorded and the variation was statistical significant among cultivars. Also, analysis of the relationships between pH, chemical composition parameters and In Vitro Digestibiliy of Organic Matter (IVDOM) showed that increasing pH values were associated with increasing Dry Matter content of stovers before silage (DM_BE), Dry Matter content of silages (DM_S), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) values and decreasing Crude Protein (CP), Metabolizable Energy (ME), IVOMD, and Ash values. However, the pH values obtained for all silages showed that all the millet stovers used were suitable for silage. At the maturity stage, it is thus possible to use the grain for human consumption and to ensile the stovers for animal feed. This study also shows that monitoring the pH in the silo makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the fermentations to avoid losses on the farms.

Şeker pancarı yaprağı silajına arpa ezmesi, arpa samanı ve buğday kepeği ilavesinin yem değeri, silaj kalitesi ve in vitro organik madde sindirilebilirliği üzerine etkisi

This study has been carried out to investigate the effects of adding barley paste, barley straw, and wheat bran to sugar beet leaves (SBL) silages on the nutrient content, silage quality and in vitro organic matter digestibility of the silages. Following the sugar beet harvest, 10% barley paste (BP), 10% barley straw (BS), and 10% wheat bran (WB) were added to the sugar beet leaves taken after the sugar beet harvest, and then they were ensiled in 1 liter special glass jars and four application groups were formed as being control, SBL+BP, SBL+BS, and SBL+WB. Analyzes were carried out in three replications for each silage group. According to the study findings, for the control, SBL+BP, SBL+BS and SBL+WB groups respectively, dry matter at percentages of 18.65%, 23.35%, 21.40%, 21.02%, pH at levels of 4.01, 3.89, 3.94, 3.91, and crude protein at percentages of 11.24%, 12.06%, 7.83%, 11.32% were found. At the end of the study, it was determined that the addition of 10% barley paste to the sugar beet leaves increased the silage dry matter content and fleig score.

Dry matter and crude protein degradability of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage is affected by fertilization with cow-dung bio-digester slurry and fermentable carbohydrate additives at ensiling.

Dry seasons pose a major nutritional constraint on ruminant livestock production in tropical regions, which justifies forage conservation to meet the dry season feed requirement. Napier grass is a tropical forage that is used for silage in South Africa. The present objective was to determine the effects of Napier grass fertilization with bio-digester slurry (BDS) and the inclusion of fermentable carbohydrate additives at ensiling on the chemical composition and ruminal degradability of Napier grass silage. Napier grass was established in 5 × 4 m plots, replicated three times in a completely randomized design, and irrigated weekly with either BDS or water. After 12 weeks, the Napier was cut and ensiled for 90 days in 1-liter glass jars in a 2 (BDS, water) × 4 (no-additive, molasses, brown sugar, and maize meal) factorial arrangement replicated three times. The nutrient composition was determined using standard protocols. The ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was determined using the nylon bag technique. Fertilization with BDS increased (P < 0.05) pH and CP and reduced (P < 0.05) fat content of fresh-cut Napier. Additives increased (P < 0.01) silage DM content and reduced (P < 0.01) acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber content. The BDS fertilization with molasses inclusion increased (P < 0.05) silage DM relative to the no-additive and maize meal inclusion, and decreased (P < 0.05) fat content compared to the no-fertilizer, added maize meal silage. Molasses increased silage water-soluble carbohydrate and decreased the NH3-N content (P < 0.05) compared to the no-additive and maize meal treatments. For DM, the BDS fertilized, no additive silage had the least “a” fraction (P < 0.01), while the no BDS, no-additive silage had the least “b” fraction (P < 0.01), with least (P < 0.01) potential degradability (PD) observed for the no BDS, no-additive treatment. Fertilization increased (P < 0.01) effective degradability of DM at outflow rates k = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, with same effect for molasses and maize meal inclusion. Relative to the control, molasses inclusion increased (P < 0.01) PD of silage CP. In conclusion, our results suggested BDS fertilization of Napier grass ensiling with added readily fermentable carbohydrate substrate, particularly from molasses, induced changes in silage chemical and fermentation characteristics likely to promote better forage preservation and ruminal microbial function.

PH, KANDUNGAN BAHAN KERING DAN SIFAT FISIK SILASE LIMBAH KOL DENGAN BERBAGAI PENAMBAHAN LEVEL DEDAK PADI

Cabbage waste has the potential to be used as an alternative feed for livestock if the feed is processed sustainably. This study aims to analyze the determine the best level of use of rice bran in making cabbage waste silage seen from physical properties, pH and dry matter content of silage. This study used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were A0 (cabbage waste 100%), A1 (cabbage waste 75% + rice bran 25%), A2 (cabbage waste 50% + rice bran 50%), A3 (cabbage waste 25% + rice bran 75%). The parameters measured include pH, odor, color, texture, presence of mushrooms and dry matter content. The results showed that the substitution of various levels of rice bran on cabbage waste had no significant effect (P 0.05) on the pH, color, texture and presence of mushrooms, had a significant effect (P 0.05) increased the aroma value, and had a very significant effect ( P 0.01) increased the dry matter content of the silage. The best treatment in this study is A3 (cabbage waste 25%, rice bran 75%) because it can increase the odor and dry matter content.

Grass silage composition and nutritive value on Northern Ireland farms between 1998 and 2017

AbstractGrass silage is the predominant conserved forage offered to ruminant livestock within Northern Ireland (NI) when housed. This study involved the analysis of a dataset (n = 76,452 samples) comprising silage samples from commercial farms, analysed by the Agri‐Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) between 1998 and 2017. The effects of harvest number (1, 2 or 3) and year were examined. Most of the differences between harvests 1–3 were significant although these differences were of little biological significance. Silage crude protein (CP) increased from harvests 1 to 3, while ammonia N concentration was higher in 3rd harvests. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentrations decreased from harvest 1 to 3, while dry‐matter (DM) digestibility and D‐value (% DM) were higher in 1st compared to 2nd harvest. Across the twenty year period, silage DM and water soluble carbohydrate concentrations increased, while ADF and NDF concentrations decreased. Crude protein concentration did not change over time. There was no significant improvement in silage digestibility. While silage intake potential for dairy cows increased by approximately 8% (from 88.8 to 96.1 g kg W0.75, meant across all harvests), silage intake potential for beef cattle increased only within harvest 1. Despite overall increases in silage DM concentration, silage digestibility parameters did not show any significant improvement over the 20‐year period, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on improving silage nutritive value.

The Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Addition and Fermentation Periods on Nutritive Value Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott) Silage

This research aimed to examine the effect of different Lactobacillus plantarum addition and fermentation periods on its physical quality, pH, nutritive value ( dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), extract ether (EE)). This research also to find out the best treatments of dwarf elephant grass silage by Lactobacillus plantarum addition with different fermentation periods. Completely Randomized Factorial Design was used in this experiment, with two factor ie. Lactobacillus plantarum inclusion (0, 0.3; 0.6; 0.9 %) and fermentation periods (0, 7, 14, 21 days). Each treatment was replicated three times. Addition 6 % molasses of fresh weight grass was employed in all the treatment. The result indicated that different of Lactobacillus plantarum addition, fermentation periods and their interaction were highly significant effect on pH, OM, CF and EE value (p<0.01). Interaction of two factors also highly significant influence to DM and CP content of dwarf elephant grass silage. Lactobacillus plantarum addition factor has highly significant effect on CP content and fermentation period was a significant effect on CP value of dwarf elephant grass silage. Physical quality of dwarf elephant grass with various Lactobacillus plantarum addition and fermentation periods shown a good quality of silage with fresh and acidic odor, good texture, a little bit browny color, and no fungi. Average pH of silage was around 3.90 – 4.30 after incubation 7 – 21 days. Average of nutritive value dwarf elephant grass silage were 11.55 – 13.15 % DM, 81.13-82.32 % OM, 10.48 – 12.00 % CP, 22.31 – 25.27 % CF and 1.21 – 2.98% EE. It can be concluded that Lactobacillus plantarum addition can faster ensilage fermentation and the best silage was on treatment 0.6 % Lactobacillus plantarum addition and 7 days fermentation periods.

Nutritive value of sugarcane silages with different bacterial additives and fermentation periods

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with P. acidipropionici or L. buchneri, over three fermentation periods. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 3 inoculant by fermentation period factorial arrangement (without inoculant, inoculant 1, inoculant 2; x three fermentation periods, 10, 60, 90 days). Values of pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM) and lignin were determined and in situ DM degradability profiles were modelled for parameters a, b and c, potential degradation (A) and effective degradability (ED). The 90 day fermentation yielded a lower pH for both inoculants. There was an interaction between inoculant and fermentation period (P &lt; 0.05) for DM content, with a reduction in silage DM without the additive at 90 days. The CP, HEM, ADF and lignin contents of sugarcane were not influenced by the treatments. The addition of P. acidipropionici provided the lowest NDF content at 10 days and presented a higher fraction a, potential degradation and ED. At 60 days, there was no variation in soluble fraction, the control silage showed a higher fraction b, higher potential degradation and ED. At 90 days of fermentation, L. buchneri silages presented a higher fraction a, degradation rate and DE and a higher b value was obtained in the silage without inoculant. Inoculants are effective in maintaining the silage DM content and nutritional value during prolonged fermentation periods.

Lemongrass essential oil in sugarcane silage: Fermentative profile, losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability

Essential oils have been used to manipulate microbial growth in different processes such as silage fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of lemongrass oil (LO) in sugarcane ensiling on fermentative profile and losses, chemical composition, in vitro degradation, and aerobic stability. Thirty-two experimental silos were used in a blocked randomized design to evaluate the following treatments: control (CON), sugarcane ensiling without LO; and increasing levels of LO on sugarcane ensiling: 1 (L1), 2 (L2), and 3 (L3) mL of LO per kg of sugarcane (as-fed basis). Results of LO level effects were regressed to access the maximum/minimum points. Lemongrass oil linearly increased NH3-N and decreased the count of mold and yeast, lactic, and butyric acid concentrations. Besides, LO quadratically affected silage pH, Brix, and levels of ethanol and acetic acid. The lowest silage pH, ethanol, and acetic acid concentration were found with 1.17, 2.22, and 1.89 mL/kg of LO. Lemongrass oil quadratically affected fermentative losses, dry matter (DM) recovery, and chemical composition of silage. The lowest total losses were found at 1.53 mL/kg of LO, whereas the highest DM recovery was obtained using 1.90 mL/kg LO. Intermediary levels of LO (1.99–2.00 mL/kg) improved silage DM, organic matter, non-fiber carbohydrate, and ether extract content, whereas reduced silage concentration of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and crude protein. Lemongrass oil did not affect neutral detergent fiber in vitro degradation and quadratically affected DM degradation of silage, whereas linearly increased silage aerobic stability (h) and temperature of silage between 48 and 104 h after aerobic exposure. Thus, intermediary levels (between 1.53 and 2.22 mL/kg) of LO reduces ethanol concentration and fermentative losses of silages, improving DM recovery, chemical composition and DM degradation of sugarcane silage. Additionally, LO levels linearly decrease yeast and mold count and increase the aerobic stability of sugarcane silage.

Effect of wilting organic pineapple by-products and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) foliage inclusion on silage fermentation and its nutritive value

Effect of wilting organic pineapple by-products (PBP) and Canavalia ensiformis foliage inclusion on silage ensilability and nutritive value after 30 days of storage were investigated at laboratory scale. A total of 24 silages per batch were prepared from a mixture of organic PBP and C. ensiformis foliage. Pineapple by-products were ensiled either fresh or wilted with 4 levels (0, 100, 200, 300 g/kg DM) of C. ensiformis foliage inclusion at room temperature of 25 ± 3.6 °C. Wilting PBP and increasing inclusion levels of C. ensiformis decreased (P < 0.001) dry matter (DM) losses but increased (P < 0.001) DM and crude protein (CP) content of silages. However, the effect of wilting on DM loss depended (P < 0.05) on inclusion levels of C. ensiformis. In both silages, neutral detergent fibre (NDFom) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of C. ensiformis. Silage from wilted PBP had less (P < 0.05) ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) compared to silage from fresh PBP. In both silages, lactic acid increased at a decreasing rate (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of C. ensiformis and its optimal level of inclusion was 100 g/kg DM. Although volatile fatty acids were not affected (P > 0.05) by C. ensiformis inclusion, wilting decreased (P < 0.05) acetic acid contents. Cumulative net gas production (GP) of silage from wilted PBP increased following a quadratic trend (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of C. ensiformis. Although polynomial contrasts were able to provide trends based on the apriori fixed inclusion points of C. ensiformis, regression analysis showed that optimal levels for most response parameters overlapped in the range of 100–170 g/kg DM. Consequently, the greatest cumulative GP of silage from wilted PBP was recorded at 150 g/kg DM level of C. ensiformis inclusion. Metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy contents of lactation (NEL) increased at a decreasing rate (P < 0.05) with increasing level of C. ensiformis for the silage from wilted PBP. Maximum value for NEL of silage from wilted PBP was obtained at 170 g/kg DM level of C. ensiformis inclusion. Similarly, in vitro organic matter digestibility for the silage from wilted PBP followed a quadratic trend (P < 0.05) with the greatest recorded at 168 g/kg DM level of C. ensiformis inclusion. Inclusion of C. ensiformis foliage improves in vitro fermentation quality as well as nutritive value of PBP silage, and most parameters showed optimum values, which overlapped within the ranges of 100 to 170 g/kg DM levels of the legume inclusion.

Amino acid profile of metabolisable protein in lactating dairy cows is affected by dry matter concentration in grass-clover silage

Our previous study showed that supply of metabolisable protein (MP) to lactating dairy cows increased with increasing dry matter (DM) concentration in grass-clover silage. The aim of this study was to examine how amino acid (AA) profile of MP was affected by silage DM concentration. Eight grass-clover silages with DM concentrations ranging from 283 to 725 g/kg were fed ad libitum to four multi-fistulated dairy cows in an incomplete balanced scheme over five periods. Individual AA were analysed in silages, in microbes isolated from the rumen, and in duodenal and ileal chyme, respectively. Proportion of arginine in silage AA increased, proportions of cysteine and proline in silage AA tended to increase, whereas proportions of alanine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, serine, threonine and valine in silage AA decreased with increased silage DM concentration. Crude protein (CP) and AA concentrations in DM and AA concentration in CP in microbial matter were not affected by silage DM concentration, but serine proportion in microbial AA increased and valine proportion in microbial AA decreased with increased silage DM concentration. In total duodenal AA profile, histidine proportion decreased, lysine proportion tended to decrease and glutamate proportion tended to increase with increased silage DM concentration, mostly driven by changes in duodenal feed + endogenous AA profile. Small intestinal digestibility and absolute amount digested of all individual AA increased, either numerically or significantly, with increased silage DM concentration. However, lysine proportion decreased, histidine proportion tended to decrease and glutamate proportion tended to increase in digested AA. The higher supply of MP with increased silage DM concentration would be expected to increase milk production, but the unfavourable effect on AA profile will probably diminish this potential increase, as either histidine or lysine often are the first limiting AA in grass based diets.

Metabolisable protein supply to lactating dairy cows increased with increasing dry matter concentration in grass-clover silage

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of increased dry matter (DM) concentration in grass-clover silage, obtained by extending the pre-wilting period before ensiling, on the amount of metabolisable protein (MP) supplied to lactating dairy cows. Spring growth and first regrowth of grass-clover swards grown by two Danish organic farmers were cut and pre-wilted to a planned DM concentration of 350 and 700g/kg, respectively, giving in total eight silages with DM concentrations ranging from 283 to 725g/kg. Four Holstein dairy cows in late lactation with fistulae in rumen, duodenum and ileum were included in a crossover design, with five periods of 21 d. The cows were fed ad libitum with the experimental silages without any concentrate, but with daily supply of minerals and vitamins. Feed intake was registered daily and in the last week of each period 12 subsamples of duodenal and ileal chyme and faeces, respectively, were collected over 94h to cover the diurnal variation, pooled, and subsequently analysed. Rumen fluid was collected in same sampling procedure. To estimate the duodenal flow of microbial protein, microbes were isolated from the rumen and analysed for amino acids (AA) and purines. Methane (CH4) production was measured the last two days in each period in open-circuit respiration chambers. Results were analysed using a linear random regression model with DM concentration as fixed effect, cow and cut number x farmer as random intercepts and with a cut number x farmer random slope. The amount of AA digested in the small intestine increased (P=0.024) by 5.59g/kg DM intake with each increase in silage DM concentration of 100g/kg. The increased digestion of AA in the small intestine was caused by a higher small intestinal digestibility of AA and a tendency towards a higher duodenal flow of AA. The higher duodenal flow of AA derived from a lower rumen degradation of feed protein and a tendency towards a higher microbial synthesis in the rumen. Fibre digestibility and CH4 production were not affected by silage DM concentration. In conclusion, MP concentration in grass-clover silage can be improved by pre-wilting to a higher DM concentration before ensiling.

Nutritional composition of silage from pearl millet cultivars with the inclusion of soy hulls

The nutritional composition of silages from the millet cultivars BRS 1501, ADR 500 and ADR 8010 was evaluated with the inclusion of soy hulls at 0, 3, 6 and 10%. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme with 3 replications. The dry matter content of the silages was affected by the inclusion of the soy hulls, ranging from 16.20% (ADR 8010) to 23.27% (BRS 1501) for the inclusion of 0 and 10% respectively. The levels of crude protein ranged from 9.46 to 10.79%, with significant differences between varieties being seen with the inclusion of 6% and 10% soy hulls. Inclusion of the hulls reduced the mineral matter content of the silages, with a change of 8.62% in the control treatment, up to an average of 6.38% at the level of 10%. The neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber content did not differ with treatment. The hemicellulose content differed with the level of soy hulls, and ranged from 22.65 to 26.18%. The cellulose content varied from 24.90% (ADR 500), with the inclusion of 6% soy hulls, to 29.80% (ADR 8010) with the inclusion of 10% hulls. The lignin content showed significant differences for the level of hull inclusion, ranging from 1.37% (ADR 8010) with the inclusion of 10% hulls, to 3.71% (BRS 1501), found in the control treatment. The soy hulls increased the dry matter content of silages from the cultivars under evaluation.

Effects of Bale Density and Number of Stretch Film Layers on Chemical Composition and Silage Quality Class of Sorghum Bale Silage

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different bale density and the number of stretch film layers on chemical composition and quality of sorghum bale silage. In this research, Early Sumac variety of sorghum was used as the silage material, bale silage as the silage making technique and silage stretch film as the wrapping material. Research was arranged as 2×3 factorial following a completely randomized experiment design and four replications were carried out. Sorghum bales were carried out on two different densities (450 and 650 kg/m3) and were wrapped in three different numbers of stretch film layers (2, 3 and 4 layers). Sorghum bales were stored outside for 120 days and opened after the ensiling period and were subjected to physical evaluation and chemical analysis. According to the results of the physical evaluation, it was determined that all sorghum silages were of very good quality class. Bale density and the number of stretch film layer was determined to have an insignificant effect on the physical evaluation (P>0.05). According to the results of chemical analysis, increased bale density and the number of stretch film layers decreased pH values and increased dry matter content of silage. From the results, it was concluded that increasing bale density and the number of stretch film layers would have a positive effect on the quality of sorghum silage.

Effects of bacterial inoculation on the fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of ensiled whole plant soybeans (&lt;i&gt;Glycine max&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Merr.)

The effect of bacterial inoculation on the fermentation and aerobic stability of two ensiled whole plant soybean (WPSB) cultivars was determined in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Two WPSB cultivars, Link LF6466 and Pannar 522 RR, were harvested at their R6 growth stage, chopped to 25 mm and ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic jars. The chopped forages were treated with or without the bacterial inoculant Lalsil Dry (LD) and treatments were as follows: i) Pan control (soybean cv Pannar 522 RR with no additive); ii) Link control (soybean cv Link LF 6466 with no additive); iii) Pan LD (soybean cv Pannar 522 RR treated with LD); and iv) Link LD (soybean cv Link LF 6466 treated with LD). Jars were opened on days 3, 7, 10, 21 and 90 to determine pH. Samples of day 0 and day 90 were used to determine chemical composition and fermentation characteristics. In addition, samples of day 90 were subjected to an aerobic stability test in which they were exposed to air for five days, and CO 2 , pH, hours for temperature to rise above 2 oC, yeasts and moulds were determined. Pannar cultivar had higher contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE) and ether extract (EE) compared with the Link cultivar at pre-ensiling. However, Link cultivar had higher content of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) compared with Pannar. Inoculation with LD reduced silage DM, CP and fibre contents, and increased silage pH compared with the control. Inoculation increased silage acetic and propionic acids, but had a lower content of lactic acid (LA) and DM recovery compared with the control. When compared with the control, silage aerobic stability was improved with LD inoculation, as indicated by reduced CO 2 production, and yeast and mould populations, and increased number of hours for stability after aerobic exposure. It was concluded that LD inoculant reduced silage fermentation and preservation, but improved aerobic stability of silage. Further work is needed to determine the effects of soybean silage on growth performance and production response of ruminants. Keywords: Cultivars, forages, inoculants, legumes, nutrients, silage, soybean

Use of acids as additives in sugarcane silage

Background: sugarcane silage often becomes a problem for the producers due to its high population of yeast and its high content of soluble carbohydrates. Objective: to evaluate the effect of formic and phosphoric acid on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and digestibility of sugarcane silages. Methods: sugarcane was ensiled in experimental mini-silos. Five treatments were evaluated in the ensilage process (sugarcane added with 0.5 or 1% formic acid and 0.5 or 1% phosphoric acid, and a control treatment without additives). A completely randomized design was used. Results: the dry matter content of silages containing phosphoric acid was lower. Lower values of NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose were observed in the control and formic acid treatments. Conclusions: formic and phosphoric acids promote beneficial changes in the chemical composition of sugar cane silage.

Fermentative and nutritive quality of banana by-product silage for goats

This study was carried out to ascertain the ensiling capacity of fresh banana packaging industries by-products and the chemical composition and fermentative characteristics of the silage. Ensilability parameters were analysed in five different combinations [100% green banana (GB), 100% bunch (b), 30% GB–70% b, 50% GB–50% b and 100% ripe banana (RB)]. Subsequently, according to ensilability results, three combinations were selected [100% GB, 50% GB–50% b, 50% GB–50% b + additives, 10% molasses and 7% beet pulp] in order to assess the quality and stability over time of the experimental banana microsilages. The 50% GB–50% b combination showed the acceptable silage characteristics but requires certain additives to improve the fermentative process. The combination with better results, when assessed for quality and stability during the preservation process, was 50% GB–50% b + additives allowing to increase the initial dry matter (DM) and soluble sugars. This combination showed a good aptitude for ensilage, having a pleasant smell and good visual characteristics. The banana by-product showed moderate silage DM (20–30%) and organic matter (85–94%) content and low protein and fibre values. The chemical composition did not vary significantly along the conservation process. The three combinations of banana by-product silage studied presented a moderate DM content and a low protein value, with lower values in the 50% GB–50% b.

Effects of transient changes in silage dry matter concentration on lactating dairy cows

Transient changes in the dry matter (DM) concentration of silages often occur, which will cause transient changes in the ration. To determine the effects of a transient change in silage DM, 24 Holstein cows (116 d in milk) were used in an 8 replicated 3×3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control, (2) unbalanced (UNBAL), and (3) balanced (BAL). The control diet was designed to have a consistent day-to-day forage:concentrate ratio of 55:45 on a DM basis. The UNBAL and BAL diets were the same as the control diet for most of the period except during two 3-d bouts when water was added to the silage (simulating a rain event) to cause a 10-percentage unit decrease in silage DM concentration. During the bouts, the UNBAL diet was the same as that of the control on an as-fed basis, but on a DM basis, the forage:concentrate ratio decreased to 49:51, which reduced dietary concentrations of DM (63.9 vs. 66.2%) and forage NDF (21.0 vs. 23.6%), and increased starch (30.4 vs. 28.4%). The BAL treatment corrected for the change in silage DM by an increase in the inclusion of wet silage and had the same composition as the control diet on a DM basis, except for ration DM (66.2 vs. 63.9%). Over the 21-d period, treatment did not affect DM intake (DMI; 24.0kg/d); however, DMI of cows on the UNBAL and BAL treatments tended to decrease during the wet bouts, especially during the second bout. The day following both bouts, DMI of cows fed BAL and UNBAL diets were greater than that of cows fed the control diet, which contributed to the lack of a treatment effect on DMI over the entire period. Milk production was greater for the UNBAL than control cows (39.8 vs. 39.3kg/d) over the 21-d period. That difference was largely caused by increased milk yield during the first bout by cows on the UNBAL diet. Over the 21-d period, milk yield did not differ between control and BAL cows. Some small differences in milk fat and protein concentrations (≤0.1 percentage units) were observed between treatments. Total-tract digestibility of most nutrients was not affected by treatment. Overall, a 10-percentage unit decrease in silage DM over short-term bouts (with or without total mixed ration adjustment) had only minor effects on DMI, milk yield, and composition.

Características fermentativas de silagens de polpa de café com diferentes proporções de casca de café

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a composição química e as características fermentativas de silagens da polpa de café com diferentes proporções de casca de café. O material foi ensilado em PVC de 150 mm de diâmetro por 750 mm de altura, segundo os tratamentos: polpa de café (PC), PC + 20% de casca de café (CC), PC + 40% de CC e PC + 60% de CC, segundo delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições. Os silos foram abertos 60 dias após o fechamento, quando foram retiradas amostras para determinação dos teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), lignina, celulose, pH, N-NH3, cafeína, cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P) e digestibilidade in vitro da MS (DIVMS). Determinou-se também a produção de efluentes e de gás. Houve um aumento linear no teor de MS e pH, à medida que foi adicionado casca de café nas silagens, e decréscimo linear nos teores de PB, FDN e FDA, lignina, celulose, cafeína, Ca e P. Esse decréscimo ocorreu pelo fato da casca de café possuir teores inferiores ao da polpa para PB, FDN, FDA, cafeína, Ca e P. Houve também redução linear nos valores de N-NH3, e somente a silagem com maior porcentagem de casca de café obteve valor inferior a 10%, considerado como limite para silagem de boa qualidade. A produção de efluentes foi maior para a silagem de polpa de café sem casca e não se obteve nenhuma produção na silagem com 60% de casca. Não houve diferença significativa na DIVMS entre os tratamentos. A casca de café foi efetiva em aumentar o teor de MS da silagem de PC e em reduzir os teores de FDN, FDA, N-NH3, proporcionando silagem de valor nutritivo satisfatório à alimentação de bovinos, criando, assim, alternativa para aproveitamento desses resíduos. Ao considerar o teor de MS encontrado nas silagens, a melhor quantidade de casca de café a ser acrescentada à polpa de café, para produção de silagem está entre 30% e 35%.