Elephant Grass Silage Research Articles

Holistic Life Cycle Assessment of a biogas-based electricity generation plant in a pig farm considering co-digestion and an additive

This study aims to perform an LCA of the co-digestion of pig manure with two co-substrates (corn silage and elephant grass) and an additive (biochar) to produce biogas for electricity generation. Four scenarios were defined: considering only the digestion of pig manure (Base scenario); co-digestion of pig manure with elephant grass-silage (scenario II); co-digestion of pig manure with corn silage (scenario III), and digestion of pig manure with biochar as an additive (scenario IV). The biogas produced was used for electricity generation in a cogeneration system. The thermal energy obtained from the cogeneration system was used to heat the substrate, maintain a mesophilic digestion temperature (38 °C), and heat the pig stalls. Digestate was considered an organic fertilizer in this analysis. Scenario III presented the worst results for most of the impact categories considered in the LCA, with only a positive impact on ozone depletion (ODP). Scenario II presented a lower impact than Scenario III. Using co-substrates and additives in the digestion of pig manure has allowed a considerable increase in electricity production. However, the environmental impacts of using co-substrates are significant in most impact categories, mainly due to the use of fossil fuels in the chain of silage production.

Elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage with inclusion of different proportions of silk cotton

The objective was to evaluate the qualitative and nutritional aspects of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage with increasing proportions of silk cotton. A completely randomized design was used with five (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% on natural matter basis) different inclusion proportions of silk cotton to elephant grass silage and four repetitions. Silages were prepared in PVC minisilos and remained ensiled for 42 days. The inclusion of silk cotton resulted in a linear reduction in dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) contents at 0.06, 0.30, 0.23, 0.20, and 0.09 percentage points for each 1% inclusion, respectively. There was an increasing linear effect of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), with an increase of 39.32 and 20.89% from the lowest to the highest inclusion of silk cotton to elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage. Values of pH, gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), dry matter recovery (DMR), hemicellulose, and lignin were not influenced by the evaluated inclusion levels, showing estimated averages of 3.87, 1, 42%, 11.55kg t-1 natural matter, 97.36%, 19.30%, and 7.20%, respectively. An increasing linear effect was found for fraction a, c, effective degradability (ED) (2% and 5%) dry matter, with an increment of 0.05, 0.0005, and 0.11 percent points, respectively. There was a quadratic effect for fraction b, potential degradability (PD), ED (2%), with minimum points of 23.72%, 50.52%, (at 45% inclusion level) 39.69%, (at 15% inclusion level) respectively. The indigestible fraction (IF) had a quadratic effect with a maximum of 49.48% at the 45% inclusion level. The colonization time (CT) linearly reduced by 0.09 percentage points for each 1% inclusion evaluated. According to the parameters evaluated, the inclusion of up to 60% silk cotton improved nutritional aspects and nutritional value of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu silage.

Cutting Time and Regrowth Age Affect the Quality of Elephant Grass Silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of regrowth age (RA) and cutting time (CT) of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus cv. Cameroon) on the fermentation profile, microorganism population, and nutritive value of the silage in two simultaneous trials at different sites. A 2 × 2 factorial scheme with two CTs (08:00 and 14:00) and two RAs (8 and 16 weeks) at ensilage was used in a completely randomized design, with four replicates in each trial, totaling 16 experimental units per trial. Results showed that ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen content (N-NH3/TN) ranged from 71.8 (14:00; 16 weeks) to 137.0 g kg -1 (14:00; 8 weeks). Elephant grass silage harvested at 14:00 at 8 weeks had the lowest pH (3.53) and highest lactic acid content (39.7 g kg-1 dry matter). The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was higher (P < 0.05) in the silage of plants harvested at 8 weeks than in the silage harvested at 16 weeks (59.9 vs. 46.8%, respectively). In trial 2, elephant grass silage harvested at 14:00 had lower pH and acetic acid content. The IVDMD was higher in elephant grass silage harvested at 14:00, with values of 65.3% and 56.2% at 8 and 16 weeks, respectively. We recommend elephant grass harvested at 8 weeks of regrowth and cut at 14:00 to produce silage with better nutritive value and fermentative profile.

Effects of Different Urea and Molasses Additives on Physical and Some Quality Properties of Elephantgrass (Miscanthus x giganteus) Silages

Bu çalışma salkım çıkarma öncesi dönemde hasat edilerek silolanan filotu (Miscanthus x giganteus) silajlarına farklı oranlarda üre ve melas katkılarının silajların fiziksel ve bazı kalite özelliklerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla 2018 yılında Uşak’ta yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada filotu silajlarına %0.5, 1 ve 1.5 oranında üre ve %0, 2 ve 4 oranında melas katkıları uygulanarak silajların kuru madde oranı, fiziksel özellikleri, pH, fleig puanı, ham protein oranı, nötr çözücülerde çözünmeyen lif (NDF), asit çözücülerde çözünmeyen lif (ADF) ve nispi yem değerleri (RFV) belirlenmiştir. 
 Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre silajların pH değerleri 3.78 ile 6.13 arasında, fleig puanları 35.86 ile 129.71 arasında, ham protein oranları %5.47 ile 8.35 arasında, NDF ve ADF oranları sırasıyla %69.09 ile %76.81 ve %42.33 ile 49.49 arasında değişmiştir. Uygulamalara bağlı olarak RFV değerleri ise 61.28 ile % 75.29 arasında değişim göstermiştir. Çalışmada üre katkıları silajların ham protein oranlarını olumlu yönde etkilerken silaj fermantasyonu ve sindirilebilirlik ile ilgili özellikler olumsuz yönde etkilemiştir. Melas katkıları ise silajların kuru madde ve ham protein oranı dışındaki özelliklerini olumlu etkilemiştir. Araştırma sonucunda yüksek ham protein oranı ve sindirilebilirlik için filotu silajlarına %1 oranında üre ve %4 oranında melas ilave edilmesinin gerektiği sonucuna varılmıştır.

Evaluation of biological and chemical additives on microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biological and chemical additives on microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of SuMu No.2 elephant grass. Aerobic bacteria and yeast were not affected on days 5 and 7 but were significantly (P < 0.224) reduced on days 14, 30, and 60, whereas lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria were significantly (P > 0.001) higher in all ensiling days within all treatment groups. During the ensiling days, the pH, acetic acid, butyric acid, and yeast were decreased in all treatment groups, whereas the Lactobacillus plantarum group and L.plantarum + natamycin group were highly significantly (P > 0.001) decreased. During air exposure, the water-soluble carbohydrates, ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid, and acetic acid were not affected on days 1-4, whereas pH and aerobic bacteria (were significantly (P < 0.05) increased on days 2-4. The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum and natamycin increased the gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro neutral detergent fiber of SuMu No.2 elephant grass silages. The addition of biological and chemical additives, such as L.plantrum alone and the combination with natamycin, affected the undesirable microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas of SuMu No.2 elephant grass. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mesquite pods as a source of soluble carbohydrates in elephant grass silages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silage with inclusion of crushed mesquite pods, at the levels of 8, 16, 24 and 32% as a source of soluble carbohydrates, in addition to a control treatment (no mesquite pod). Fermentation parameters were evaluated for gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), dry matter recovery (DMR), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and chemical composition related to dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM), cellulose (CEL), lignin (LIG) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). A quadratic behavior (p&lt;0.05) was found for GL, with a reduction of 45.58% with 32% inclusion. There was a decrease (p&lt;0.05) in EL (59.22%) and NH3-N (38.21%) and an increase in DMR by 17.57% as the mesquite pod meal was added to the silage. As for the chemical composition, the inclusion of mesquite pod meal promoted increments (p&lt;0.05) of 72.28%, 69.58% and 29.80% for the DM, CP and TDN, respectively, and a decrease in NDF (29.92%) and ADF (31.84%) up to the highest level of inclusion of mesquite pod meal (32%). The inclusion of up to 32% mesquite pod meal in elephant grass silage promotes better fermentation stability in the silo, by reducing losses and increasing the DM content of the ensiled mass, which minimizes nutrient leaching. The use of mesquite pod meal as a source of soluble carbohydrates can also improve the silage chemical composition, increasing the content of CP and TDN, and reducing the content of NDF, ADF and Lignin.

Avaliação de perdas fermentativas e recuperação de matéria seca de diferentes silagens de ração total

The objective of this research was to evaluate the rates of fermentative losses and the recovery of dry matter from different silages of total feed mixture. The total feed mixtures consisted of diets based on forage palm, elephant grass, gliricidia and other ingredients such as sugar cane bagasse, corn bran, soybean meal and urea. 25 experimental silos were made, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of different mixtures of total feed. The diets were balanced to obtain isoproteic diets. The silos remained sealed for 90 days. After opening, the rates of losses by gases and effluents and the rate of recovery of dry matter from silages were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed with the results obtained. The averages were compared using the Tukey Test, at 5% probability. The total feed silages composed of forage palm with sugarcane bagasse showed significantly higher values (P &lt;0.05). Gas losses in forage palm silages, alone and in conjunction with elephant grass, as well as elephant grass silages, showed values close to 1% of DM losses. Elephant grass silages had lower effluent loss values (1.9803 kg / ton MV) than those found in forage palm silages and forage palm silages with sugarcane bagasse (2.7259 kg / ton MV and 2.4386 kg / ton MV, respectively). The dry matter recovery rates found in this experiment ranged from 87 to 98%. Forage palm silages, forage palm silages with elephant grass and elephant grass silages showed higher dry matter recovery rates (97.49%; 95.03% and 98.19%, respectively). The silage of forage palm with sugarcane bagasse is not indicated, due to the higher rate of losses.

The Effects of Elephant Grass Silage Combined with Indigofera sp. on the Performance of Bali Cattle

The Effects of Elephant Grass Silage Combined with Indigofera sp. on the Performance of Bali Cattle

Grass size and butterfly pea inclusion modify the nutritional value of elephant grass silage

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of silages from tall-sized and dwarf elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) genotypes, intercropped or not with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea). The experiment was performed in randomized complete blocks, in a 4x2 factorial arrangement (four genotypes × two cropping systems). The genotypes intercropped or not with butterfly pea were: IRI-381 and Elephant B, tall sized; and Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott, dwarf. Forage was harvested 60 days after regrowth. In the silage from Mott grass intercropped with butterfly pea, lower contents of lignin (78.1 g kg-1), neutral detergent fiber (636.0 g kg-1), and neutral detergent insoluble protein (13.15 g kg-1), besides a greater dry matter recovery (873.3 g kg-1), were observed. The silage from Taiwan A-146 2.37 intercropped with the legume showed a greater crude protein content (136.1 g kg-1). In both silages, the ammonia nitrogen contents were quite reduced (26.4 g kg-1). However, greater residual water-soluble carbohydrate contents were observed in the silages from the intercrop (1.85 mg g-1) and from the Mott grass monocrop (1.51 mg g-1). Moreover, there was a lower in vitro dry matter digestibility (676.7 g kg-1) for the silage from the intercrop. Dwarf genotypes increase the nutritional value of elephant grass silage, compared with the tall-sized ones. Intercropping with butterfly pea improves silage fermentation characteristics, despite reducing its digestibility. Therefore, the ensilage of dwarf Mott elephant grass intercropped with butterfly pea shows more promising results.

Effects of additives and their levels of inclusion on nutritive value of silage made from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three additives (molasses, cracked corn and corn-soybean) and inclusion levels (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 %) on nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum) silage. The experimental design was a 3×5 factorial in a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated three times. Samples were obtained from Pasture Museum. Elephant grass stands at late vegetative stage were randomly selected and harvested at 7 cm stubble height. Grass was chopped into 2-3 cm length. Five hundred gram of the sample was weighed in each case; additives were added separately at the designated inclusion levels and mixed thoroughly. Materials were then tightly packed into laboratory silos compressed and sealed tightly and left for a fermentation period of 21 days. The results indicated crude protein (CP) was significantly greater (10.92%) in silage treated with corn-soybean additive compared with other additives. Crude fiber (CF) was observed to be lower in molasses treated elephant grass silage (27.74 %). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were both lower in molasses treated silage (24.76 and 43.26 % respectively). The CP was observed to increase with increased inclusion level of the additive while CF decreased. Values for digestible dry matter (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI)as a percentage of body weight and relative feed value (RFV) were greater (P&lt;0.05) in molasses treated silage compared to corn and corn-soybean. The DDM, DMI and RFV values were higher (P&lt;0.05) at 7.5 and 10 % inclusion levels. Significant interactions were observed between additives and inclusion levels in most parameters measured. It was concluded that molasses additive could be used in elephant grass silage during ensiling at 7.5-10 % levels of inclusion.

Composição bromatológica da silagem de capim- elefante BRS Capiaçu com inclusão fubá de milho

The low dry matter content of forages (elephant grass) cv. BRS Capiaçu is one of the main factors responsible for the production of low nutritional value silage, the use of absorbent additives alleviates this problem. The objective was to evaluate fermentative losses and the quality of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) silage cv. BRS Capiaçu with different levels of cornmeal, with treatments (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of corn. The analyzes were made at the Animal Nutrition Laboratory of the Federal Institute Sudeste Minas Gerais – Campus Rio Pomba, such as pH assessment, determination of nutritional values (ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein). All analyzes that were made using specific scientific methodologies. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, with subsequent regression analysis and the means of each treatment will be evaluated using the Tukey test with 5% probability. The statistical analysis was carried out through the R Core Team Program with the aid of the technological package ExpDes.pt. There was a linear effect (P 0.05) with the addition of cornmeal for crude protein and ether extract. The use of cornmeal decreased gas losses, losses from effluents and significant dry matter recovery (P

Chemical composition, fermentative characteristics, and in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silage containing Parkia platycephala pod meal and urea.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) and urea on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silage. A completely randomized design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted, with four levels of pod meal (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and two levels of urea (0 and 1.5%) on as fed basis. The produced silages were evaluated in terms of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, ammonia nitrogen, pH, short chain fatty acids, and in situ ruminal degradability. For the study of degradation, four Santa Ines rumen fistulated sheep, with average weight of 45 ± 2.5kg were used. The association of the additives increased (p < 0.05) DM, CP, DM degradability, fractions a, b, and effective degradability at all passage rates (2, 5, and 8%/h) and reduced NDF and ADF contents. DM disappearance increased (p < 0.05) during the incubation time, especially for the silages containing the two additives. The interaction in the rumen environment is essential for microbial multiplication. Thus, the use of additives such as PP and urea contributed to the availability of digestible fractions of the feed and greater use by ruminal microorganisms. The association of Parkia platycephala with urea improves the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, and degradability of elephant grass silage.

Caracterização bromatológica e perfil fermentativo de silagem de capim elefante misturada com ingredientes alternativos

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição bromatológica, perfil fermentativo e perdas fermentativas da silagem de capim elefante (CE) adicionado com diferentes níveis de palma forrageira (PF) e torta de semente de cupuaçu (TSC). Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), em esquema fatorial 2x3+2, com cinco repetições cada, totalizando 40 mini silos experimentais, com armazenamento por 50 dias. Avaliaram-se oito tratamentos, um composto somente por CE, um pool contendo 40% de CE, 30% de TSC e 30% de PF, enquanto os seis tratamentos restantes foram CE ensilado somente com TSC, ou com PF, ambas as misturas em níveis de 20, 40 e 60%. Após abertura, mensurou-se perdas de matéria seca (PMS), por gases (PG) e efluentes (PE). Determinou-se os parâmetros bromatológicos e o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), realizou-se a determinação dos ácidos orgânicos e nitrogênio amoniacal. A estabilidade aeróbia foi determinada através da mensuração da temperatura nos tempos 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas pós abertura dos silos. Para a matéria seca ocorreu variação (P&lt;0,05) de forma quadrática, onde o pool e os tratamentos com inclusão de 40 e 60% de TSC obtiveram os maiores valores. A silagem somente com CE obteve o menor valor de pH (4,22). Concluiu-se que as perdas do CE foram minimizadas com a inclusão de 60% de TSC, enquanto o pool foi intermediário, tanto em termos bromatológicos quanto fermentativos.

Effect of using inoculant on elephant grass silage with additives

This study aimed to evaluate the use of inoculant on silage of elephant grass, wet brewery waste and buriti meal at different silo opening times. The experimental silage tested was composed of 50% elephant grass, 30% wet brewery waste, and 20% buriti meal. The experimental design was randomized block in a factorial arrangement (2 x 4), where the treatments consisted of the use or not of inoculant during silage processing, and four silo opening times (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Data collected were firstly subjected to ANOVA and subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The use of inoculant in silage production provided more acidic pH (p &lt; 0.05) and higher (p &lt; 0.05) effluent losses. Longer silo opening times resulted in more alkaline pH (p &lt; 0.05) and higher (p &lt; 0.05) effluent losses. The use of inoculant in silage production and longer silo opening times provided higher (p &lt; 0.05) content of ash, crude protein, and fats, and lower (p &lt; 0.05) content of dry matter and fiber (neutral and acid detergent). However, there was no interaction between the factors evaluated in this study. It was concluded that the inoculant may be used in the production of elephant grass silages, wet brewery waste, and buriti meal, providing a more acidic pH, higher effluent losses, lower contents of dry matter and fiber, and higher nutritional content. As the opening time was extended up to 28 days, there was more alkaline pH, higher effluent losses, lower dry matter and fiber content, and higher nutritional content.

Nutritional value, fermentation losses and aerobic stability of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage treated with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes

The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional value, fermentation losses, and aerobic stability of elephant grass silage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) treated with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replicates (experimental silos) and five levels of fibrolytic enzymes (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0%). For this, the elephant grass was ensiled at 70 days of age in plastic buckets with 20L capacity. Silos were opened 60 days after sealing. Analyses were made for chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), effluent losses (EL), gas losses (GL) and dry matter recovery (DMR), as well as the aerobic stability of the silage. Data were analyzed with PROC REG of SAS® University, at 5% probability. There was an increase in IVDMD content (p &lt; 0.0001) and reduction in NDF and ADF contents (p &lt; 0.0001) according to enzyme levels. These results were related to the increase in the degradation of fiber fractions. There were higher EL (p = 0.0062) as a function of enzyme levels and aerobic deterioration after silo opening, at all levels tested. Thus, it can be concluded that the exogenous fibrolytic enzymes change the chemical composition of elephant grass silage, and increase its digestibility and nutritional value. Moreover, when used alone as an additive, fibrolytic enzymes are not able to recover all dry matter of this silage (with effluent and gas losses), and are not able to maintain aerobic stability in the first hours after opening the silos.

Effects of inclusion of patauá, Oenocarpus bataua meal on elephant grass silage

ABSTRACT Elephant grass silages have high moisture content, causing nutrient loss, mainly by effluent production. The use of moisture absorbent additives, such as patauá, Oenocarpus bataua meal, can be a strategy to reduce losses in these silages. The aim of this study was to determine the fermentation losses, microbiological composition, fermentative characteristics, and chemical composition of elephant grass silage with increasing levels of inclusion of patauá meal. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with four concentrations of patauá meal (7%, 14%, 21%, and 28%, based on fresh matter) and a control without patauá, and five replicates. The elephant grass was collected manually after 60 days of growth. After chopping, the grass was homogenized, mixed with the patauá meal according to the established treatments, and ensiled in experimental silos of 15 L. The inclusion of patauá meal in elephant grass silage had positive effects on the chemical composition and effluent loss. It significantly increased dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, nitrogen insoluble in neutral detergent and acid, ethereal extract, lignin, and non-fibrous carbohydrates of the silages. It also reduced effluent losses, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents, and cellulose. Our findings contribute towards reducing the environmental impact caused by the production of effluents during ensilage of tropical grasses and providing a potential use for the residue from the production of patauá oil, thus avoiding disposal in the environment.

In vitro digestion characteristics of various combinations of elephant grass hay, gliricidia hay or silage, soybean meal and corn meal in rations for sheep

This study examined fermentation rates and kinetics of sheep rations based on combinations of elephant grass hay, gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) hay or silage, soybean meal and corn meal using in vitro techniques. Three rations were prepared, namely: Control (elephant grass hay + soybean meal + corn meal); gliricidia hay (elephant grass hay + soybean meal + corn meal + gliricidia hay); and gliricidia silage (elephant grass hay + soybean meal + corn meal + gliricidia silage). A fixed ratio of roughage:concentrate of 55:45 was maintained for all rations, which were isocaloric and designed to support sheep gains of 200 g/day. The gliricidia replaced 57.6% of the soybean meal in the rations containing gliricidia and 81.8% of the elephant grass hay. Fermentation rates and kinetics, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and degradability of the rations were evaluated. Rations containing gliricidia as both hay and silage had higher (P&lt;0.05) IVDMD than the Control ration (67.8 and 66.2 vs. 59.8%). The degradability of the ration containing gliricidia hay was higher (P&lt;0.05) than that of the gliricidia silage ration (57.8 vs. 50.5%), whereas the Control showed an intermediate value (54.4%). The ration containing gliricidia hay and the Control produced more gas in the first 24 h than the ration containing gliricidia silage, and the gliricidia hay ration showed the shortest colonization time. Peak gas production occurred for the ration with gliricidia silage later than for the other rations. The study showed that substituting soybean meal with preserved gliricidia can result in higher digestibility of sheep rations. Feeding studies with animals are now warranted to verify these laboratory findings.

Murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) meal as an additive to elephant grass silage

Background: Tropical grasses, such as elephant grass, have high moisture content during its ideal phenological state for silage. High moisture content hinders proper preservation and reduces the nutritive value of silage due to secondary fermentation and production of effluents. Adding feed materials with high dry matter content, such as murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) meal, is a potential alternative to improve silage yield. Objective: To determine the effects of including murumuru meal (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%) on the fermentative characteristics, microbiological activity, aerobic stability, and chemical composition of elephant grass silages. Methods: A completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates was used. Elephant grass was collected at 60 d of age, minced, and homogenized with murumuru meal. The mass was placed in experimental 15-L silos. The silos were collected and analyzed 45 d later. Results: Effluent production decreased (p&lt;0.05) as the proportions of murumuru meal in silage increased. A quadratic effect (p&lt;0.05) was observed on dry matter recovery. An increase (p&lt;0.05) was observed in dry matter content, a decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the neutral detergent fiber content, and an increase (p&lt;0.05) in the non-fibrous carbohydrate content with the inclusion of murumuru meal. Conclusions: Addition of murumuru meal improves chemical composition and does not affect the fermentative characteristics of elephant grass silage, while it reduces effluent losses. Nevertheless, the inclusion of murumuru meal in the elephant grass silage decreased the time of aerobic stability.

Harvest period and baking industry residue inclusion on production efficiency and chemical composition of tropical grass silage

The seasonality of forage production is a challenge for livestock production in Brazil. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage is a widely cultivated forage however, this plant may represent high moisture levels and other unfavorable traits for ensiling and conservation during the ideal harvest period. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of harvest period and the inclusion of bakery residue on silage traits and chemical composition. Elephant grass was harvested and ensiled into mini-silos 70, 84, and 98 days after regrowth, with the addition of 0, 5, 10, or 15% of bakery residue. After 45 days, the mini-silos were opened to evaluate the chemical composition and traits of the silage. The design was completely randomized in a full factorial arrangement with three harvest periods and four doses of bakery residue (3 × 4), with four replicates (mini-silos) per treatment (n = 48). The tests for all the assumptions of variance analyses were conducted. The effects of harvest period (days) and concentration of residue (%) were evaluated using orthogonal polynomial contrasts, adopting the polynomial with a greater degree of significance (p < 0.05). Harvest period did not influence the dry matter content of elephant grass silage (p = 0.2126). Similarly, the inclusion of bakery residue in elephant grass silages did not affect the pH (p = 0.1466); however, it linearly increased the temperature (p < 0.0001), NH3/N total (p < 0.0001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (p = 0.0024), and dry matter recovery (p < 0.0001). The increases in bakery residue linearly reduced (p = 0.0497) effluent production of elephant grass harvested at 70 days. The inclusion of bakery residue in elephant grass silages decreased the neutral (p < 0.0001) and acid detergent fiber (p < 0.0001) levels. The inclusion of bakery residue decreases effluent production, increases dry matter recovery, and improves the chemical composition of elephant grass silage.

Macauba palm cake as additive in elephant grass silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of macauba palm cake (Acrocomia aculeata) on the chemical composition, fermentation and aerobic stability of elephant grass silages (Pennisetum purpureum). The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments were composed of six levels of macauba palm cake (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30%) as additive to elephant grass silage. Dry matter and ethereal extract content of the silage increased linearly with the inclusion of the additive. Addition levels of 15.54% would provide 35% of dry mass, and the limit of 7.00% of ethereal extract in the silage could be obtained with 10.47%. The neutral detergent fiber content reduced linearly from 68.97 to 52.59%, but lignin increased linearly from 6.56 to 7.70%. There was a reduction of 0.17% in the ammoniacal nitrogen content for each 1% of cake. The minimum value of dry matter losses (1.33%) was estimated to the inclusion level of 23.70%. The aerobic stability increased with inclusions between 18 and 24% of cake. The use of levels between 10 and 15% of macauba palm cake are sufficient to optimize dry matter and ethereal extract contents of the silages and to provide a high aerobic stability with minimum losses.