Nutritional Value Of Elephant Grass Research Articles

Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.

<i>In situ</i> and <i>in vitro</i> degradation parameters of elephant grass silage with sugarcane bagasse

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradability of elephant grass silage dry matter with increasing levels of sugarcane bagasse. A completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% inclusion of sugarcane bagasse on an as-fed matter basis, with five replications, totalling 25 experimental units. The increasing proportion of sugarcane bagasse analysed was favourable only in increasing the concentration of dry matter and fibre of silages and in maintaining a considerable crude protein content. In the in situ degradation assay, the addition of sugarcane bagasse in silage decreased the ruminal degradability of dry matter, and as the passage rates increased, the effective degradability decreased. In the in vitro gas production assay, the total production of gases was decreased with the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse, as did the degradability of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre. The recommendation for the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse should be analysed according to the desired objective, emphasizing that values higher than 5% can greatly compromise the final nutritive value of elephant grass silage

Potential of Market Vegetable Waste as Animal Feed in Greater Malang

This study aims to determine the potential of vegetable waste as animal feed from various traditional markets in the city of Malang. This research is descriptive and experimental. The descriptive method is used to overview the diversity, the amount of availability of various vegetable waste for each season, the type of vegetable waste that dominates the market that is suitable for livestock consumption, and the nutritional value of vegetable waste. The experimental research method used a randomized block design ANOVA with an accuracy of 1% to determine the chemical quality of vegetable waste that dominates several markets and the chemical quality of vegetable waste based on shelf life with observations of 0, 2, 4, and 6 days of storage. The results showed that the accumulation of vegetable waste per day in the selected market was 3774.76 kg in dry matter, equivalent to meeting the consumption needs of 308.14 ruminant units. The conclusion is that the nutritional value of vegetable waste from the market is the same as the nutritional value of elephant grass from DM, OM, CP, DMD, and OMD. Vegetable waste from the market easily loses its nutritional value as a result of the decay process.

Agronomic responses and herbage nutritive value of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) genotypes grown as monocrops and mixed with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea)

Context Introducing legumes into grass-based forage systems may increase herbage nutritive value while reducing the need for inorganic nitrogen fertilisation. Grass–legume intercrops may also enhance herbage yield stability. Aim We evaluated agronomic and nutritional traits of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schum.) genotypes grown as monocrops and mixed with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.). Methods Elephant grass genotypes, two tall (Elephant B and IRI-381) and two dwarf (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37), were grown as monocultures or intercropped with butterfly pea in a 2-year trial. Herbage accumulation, yield stability, botanical composition and chemical/bromatological variables were evaluated. Key results Herbage accumulation was highest (P < 0.001) in Elephant B under monocropping (21.9 t/ha.year); however, this treatment revealed the lowest yield stability over harvest times (σi2 5.59). All intercrops were more stable than grass monocrops (mean σi2 0.66 vs 2.55). Higher (P < 0.001) concentrations of herbage crude protein were found in intercrops than monocrops (mean 113 vs 90 g/kg). Intercrop herbage lignin contents (mean 57 g/kg) and protein fraction C (mean 61 g/kg) were higher than those in monocrops. Dwarf Mott had higher (P = 0.001) digestible dry matter concentration than dwarf Taiwan (755 vs 745 g/kg). Conclusions Dwarf Mott genotype has outstanding nutritive value because of its higher leaf:stem ratio. Butterfly pea legume added to elephant grass crop in cut-and-carry systems improves herbage yield stability by reducing seasonal effects. Implications Intercropping butterfly pea in grass-based systems enhances yield stability, allowing herbage harvest with good nutritive value.

Comparison of three different rumen fluid as a source of inoculum to evaluate in vitro gas production and digestibility of elephant grass-concentrate mixture

This study aimed at elucidating the use of three different rumen fluid (RF) of indigenous cattle breeds i.e. Bali, Madura and Crossbred Ongole immediately after slaughtered at abattoir to evaluate the nutritive value of elephant grass( EG) -concentrate mixture using a standard in vitro gas production (IVGP) technique. Approximately 500 mg feed dry matter/syringe was added with 50 ml RF-buffer solution and incubated in a 39 0C water bath for 48 hours where gas production was observed at time intervals. Following termination of incubation the content was transferred into tare glass crucible to measure rumen dry matter (RDMD) and organic matter (ROMD) digestibility. The results showed that there was no significant different (P>0.05) in gas production parameters. In contrast, RDMD and ROMD differed significantly (P<0.01) among cattle breeds. RF from OCB resulted in the highest IVGP, RDMD and ROMD as compared with other RF sources. In conclusion, the use of RF from abattoir for IVGP measurement can be warranted using the same source of RF. The highest values resulted from OCB suggests that the abundance and variation in rumen microbiota may exist among cattle breeds.

Forage mass and nutritional value of elephant grass intercropped with forage legumes1

Forage-legume systems are a sustainable and competitive alternative for improving pasture yield and quality because of the symbiotic nitrogen fixation capacity and high nutritional value of legumes. This study aimed to evaluate the forage mass, nutritional value, and nutrient export rate in three forage systems (FS): FS1, with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) (EG), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) (AR), and spontaneous growth species (SGS); FS2, with EG + AR + SGS + arrowleaf clover (Trifolum vesiculosum); and FS3, with EG + AR + SGS + forage peanut (Arachis pintoi ). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with three replicates, and repeated measures over time. Results of pre-grazing forage mass were 3.5, 3.8, and 3.9 t/ha, and crude protein export were 1.4, 2.1, and 2.3 t/ha, for the treatments FS1, FS2 and FS3, respectively. Highest crude protein, in situ dry matter digestibility and total digestible nutrients, and lowest neutral detergent fiber were found in the intercropping system with forage peanut, especially in winter. Nutritional values were also better in legume-systems than the non-legume system.

Effects of eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus globulus) ash on biomass yield and nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to determine the biomass yield and chemical composition of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at two successive harvests using five levels of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) ash as a fertilizer. Thus, a 2 x 5 factorial experiment was used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The factors considered were successive harvests (first harvest performed after 90 days of planting and second harvest after 70 days of first harvest), and five levels of eucalyptus ash (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/m2). The highest plant height (2.5 ± 0.14 m) was recorded on plots to which a 2.0 kg/m2 eucalyptus ash was applied. The highest mean value of tiller numbers per plant (41± 1.5), green biomass yield (GB) (5.8 ± 0.2 MT/ha) and CP contents (8.85 %) were significantly increased with an increase in the level of eucalyptus ash with increasing successive harvests. The highest mean dry matter yield (DMY) 6.2 ± 0.16 was attained at the first harvest which receives 2.0 kg/m2 of eucalyptus ash. The highest mean value of ash (20.9 ± 8.4) was recorded at the two higher ash levels at the first harvest. However, the lowest mean value of NDF (53.3 ± 3.35) and ADF (40 ± 0) were recorded at the second harvest with the highest ash levels. All the fiber contents of the forage grass decreased with increase in successive harvests and amount of ash levels. It can be concluded that the second harvest and application of 2.0 kg/m2 of eucalyptus ash improved yield and nutritive value of elephant grass.

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.

Elephant grass, rice straw and maize silage as feeds: a dynamic modelling approach on their degradation kinetics

This study aimed to evaluate nutritive value of elephant grass, rice straw and maize silage by using a dynamic modelling approach. Data on dry matter (DM) degradation characteristics were compiled, i.e., soluble (S), degradable (D) and undegradable (U) fractions, and rate of degradation of the degradable fraction (kd). Each of the S, D or U fraction was assumed to have a specific rate of passage (kp). The S, D and U fractions are dynamically changed over time. Degraded S and D fractions form a pool namely cumulative S and D (CSD) and it dynamically increases over time. Integration of all the dynamic models was performed in Vensim software version 7.3.5 using the Euler method. Results revealed that soluble fraction present in elephant grass, rice straw and maize silage disappeared within early hours in the rumen. The degradable fraction of maize silage was degraded more rapidly than that of elephant grass and rice straw. Maize silage had the highest potential CSD as compared to those of elephant grass and rice straw. It can be concluded that, based on the dynamic modelling approach, maize silage has higher nutritive value for ruminant livestock, followed by elephant grass and then rice straw.

Nutritive value of elephant grass silage added with cottonseed cake in diet for sheep

The objective was to evaluate the intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep fed diets containing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) silage containing 0; 7; 14 and 21% cottonseed cake. Twenty Morada Nova sheep were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. The diets were isoproteic, isoenergetic and isofibrous. There was no effect of cottonseed cake levels on nutrient intake and digestibility coefficient of ether extract. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates presented a linear reduction with the levels of cottonseed cake varying from, respectively, 537.97 to 421.21; 566.54 to 446.42; 595, 38 to 415.62; 544.90 to 421.84 and 697.85 to 521.03, at levels 0 and 21%. The N intake and the urinary N, in the various forms, as well as the fecal N expressed in g day-1 and g kg-0.75, were not influenced by the cottonseed cake levels in the silages. The fecal N presented a quadratic response with a minimum value of 39.09% NI when 3.20% cottonseed cake was added to elephant grass silage. Nitrogen balance showed a quadratic response with a maximum value of 6.50 g day-1; 0.79 g kg-0.75 and 35.07% NI at the levels of 3.25, 5.00 and 4.95% cottonseed cake, respectively. The inclusion of 5% cottonseed cake in elephant grass silage promotes better efficiency in the use of protein sources when aimed at using silage in the composition of a balanced diet.

Canopy structure and forage nutritive value of elephantgrass subjected to different stocking rate and N fertilization in the “Mata Seca” ecoregion of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of three stocking rates (2, 3.9, and 5.8 animal units ha−1) and three fertilization levels (0, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on herbage mass and nutritive value of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cv. IRI-381. The experiment was conducted from May to August of 2009 and 2010 in Itambe, PE, Brazil, during the rainy season. Treatments were allocated in a split-plot arrangement in a completely randomized block design. The variables measured [...]

Fermentative profile and nutritional value of elephant grass silage with different levels of crude glycerin

This study aimed to evaluate the best level of inclusion of crude glycerin in elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage on fermentative profile, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of dry matter and fiber fraction in elephant grass silages. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design being used elephant grass cv. Napier with four levels of inclusion of glycerin (1, 5, 10, 15% in natural matter) with six repetitions and the control treatment (exclusive silage elephant grass). Increasing linear effect was observed for each unit added glycerin percentage in natural matter (MN) an increase of 0.36% in the DM content of silages and increase of 0.32% in the ether extract. The fermentative quality of silage there was no difference in pH between the control silage and added with glycerine, with an average of 3.91. The degradability of the fiber, the addition of crude glycerin up to 15% increased by 7.2%; 53.8% and 36.5%, respectively, the insoluble fraction, but potentially degradable standardized "bp", degradation rate of the fraction "bp", "c" and effective degradability, respectively. Inclusion of 15% glycerin in natural matter improves the composition bromatological fermentative profile and ruminal degradation of dry matter and fiber fraction.

&lt;b&gt;Fermentative characteristics and nutritional value of elephant grass silage added with dehydrated banana peel

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentative losses and nutritional value of elephant grass silages with the increasing of inclusion levels of dehydrated banana peel. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and four replications, being the silage exclusively from elephant grass, and five levels of inclusion of banana peel to the elephant grass silage, as the following - 5; 10; 15; 20 and 25%, being added based on natural matter. The addition of the banana peel in the silage reduced linearly (p &lt; 0.05) the pH, the ammoniacal nitrogen and the losses of the fermentative process. In addition, the inclusion of banana peel increased linearly (p &lt; 0.05) the dry matter and non-fibrous carbohydrates. On the other hand, the neutral detergent fiber and the acid detergent fiber were linearly reduced with the inclusion of the banana peel (p &lt; 0.05), but there was no change in the dry matter digestibility in situ. The inclusion of dehydrated banana peel in elephant grass silage reduces the losses of the fermentation process with more consistent results at the 25% inclusion level, however, it reduces the silage nutritional value due to fibrous and protein quality.

Forage yield and nutritive value of Elephant grass, Italian ryegrass and spontaneous growing species mixed with forage peanut or red clover

The objective of this research was to evaluate of three grazing systems (GS) with elephant grass (EG), Italian ryegrass (IR) + spontaneous growing species (SGS); EG + IR + SGS + forage peanut (FP); and EG + IR + SGS + red clover (RC), during the winter and summer periods in rotational grazing with dairy cattle. Experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments, two replicates with repeated measures. Lactating Holstein cows receiving 1% BW-daily feed supplement with concentrate were used in the evaluation. Eight grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period. The values of pre forage mass and stocking rate were 2.52, 2.60 and 2.99 t ha-1 and 2.64, 2.77 and 3.14 animal unit ha-1, respectively for GS. Samples of forage were collected by hand-plucking technique to analyze the crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in situ dry matter digestibility (ISDMD), in situ organic matter digestibility (ISOMD) of forage present between rows of elephant grass, in the rows of elephant grass and the legumes. Higher value of CP, ISOMD and lower of NDF were observed for the grazing systems mixed with legumes forage.

Losses and nutritional value of elephant grass silage with inclusion levels of cottonseed meal

The experiment was conducted to evaluate losses and nutritive value of elephant grass silage containing increasing levels of cottonseed meal. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments: 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28% inclusion of cottonseed meal, and four replications. The material was chopped and packed in PVC silos and stored for 80 days. The pH and dry matter (DM), crude protein, lignin and ether extract of the silages increased linearly with the addition of cottonseed meal, while the levels of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and hemicellulose decreased linearly. The addition of 28% cottonseed meal reduced the in situ disappearance of DM (48h) to values lower than those of silage without additives. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen and the losses from gases and effluent were reduced. The inclusion of 28% cottonseed meal in elephant grass silage containing 18.4% DM improved the fermentation characteristics of silage more efficiently by reducing the moisture content and effluent losses, starting at the 7% level of inclusion.

Fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of elephant grass ensiled with old man saltbush

The effects of the addition of saltbush on the fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of silages of elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum Schum.) were studied through a completely randomized design with six old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind) levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %) in substitution of the grass natural matter, with six replicates. Elephant grass presented 18.9% dry matter (DM) and silages were produced in experimental PVC silos, which were open at 70 days after ensilage. The increasing old man saltbush levels had increasing linear effect on the DM content of silages. There was quadratic effect for the contents of lactic and acetic acids and in vitro DM digestibility. Contents of butyric acid were negligible. Values pH of and N-NH3 contents had increasing linear effect. Linear effect of the increasing levels of old man saltbush was verified on the CP contents. Neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates and ether extract were not affected, whilst acid detergent fiber content showed decreasing linear effect. The addition of old man saltbush in the ensilage of elephant grass favored the fermentation process, promoting good lactic acid contents and reducing acetic acid, pH, dry matter loss and ammoniacal nitrogen, in addition to improving the nutritional quality of the elephant grass silages.

Perdas, características fermentativas e valor nutritivo da silagem de capim-elefante contendo subprodutos agrícolas

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar as perdas por gases e efluente, as características fermentativas e o valor nutritivo de silagens de capim-elefante contendo como aditivos farelo de mandioca, casca de café ou farelo de cacau. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4, com três aditivos avaliados em quatro níveis (0, 10, 20 e 30% da matéria natural), cada um com cinco repetições. O material foi acondicionado em silos de PVC por 60 dias. Após abertura dos silos, foram realizadas pesagens para determinação das perdas, pela quantificação da produção de efluente e das perdas por gases. Amostras foram coletadas para posteriores análises de nitrogênio amoniacal e pH e da composição químico-bromatológica. A adição dos aditivos provocou aumento dos teores de matéria seca, e farelo de mandioca foi o aditivo mais eficiente no controle das perdas por efluente e gases. A adição de farelo de mandioca, casca de café e farelo de cacau garantiu altas taxas de recuperação de MS, enquanto o farelo de mandioca e o farelo de cacau favoreceram a redução dos valores de pH e os teores de nitrogênio amoniacal, respectivamente, refletindo na melhoria do perfil de fermentação das silagens. As silagens contendo farelo de mandioca apresentaram maiores teores de nutrientes digestíveis totais e garantiram os menores teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, celulose e lignina. A adição de farelo de cacau ao capim-elefante no momento da ensilagem contribui para o aumento dos teores de nitrogênio total, porém aumenta os teores de nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente neutro e em detergente ácido.

Bromatological and fermentative characteristics of elephant grass silages with the addition of annato by-product

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional value of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.) silages with the addition of 0; 4; 8; 12 and 16% of the by-product from SPU annato (Bixa orellana, L.) based on natural matter. A complete random design was used with four replications. The nutritional composition, pH, ammonical nitrogen and lactic, acetic, propyonic and butyric acids were determined. Levels of annato by-product had an increasingly linear effect on contents of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrates, propionic acid and ammonical nitrogen. The insoluble nitrogen contents in detergent and acid detergent, calculated on the percentage of total nitrogen and lactic, acetic and butyric acids were not altered by adding the annato by product. The annatto by-product improves the bromatological characteristics of the silages and it can be added in levels up to 16% of the natural matter at the moment of elephant grass ensilage.

Chemical and bromatological characteristics of elephant grass silages with the addition of dried cashew stalk

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.) silages with the addition of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% dried cashew stalk (Anacardium occidentale L.) - DCS, based on the fresh matter. A randomized complete design with four replications was used. Twenty 210 L plastic drums were used as experimental silos. The levels were determined of the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN,% total N), acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN, % total N), pH values, ammonia nitrogen (in percentage of the total nitrogen, N-NH3, % total N), lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid. Adding DCS resulted in higher values of DM, CP, EE, NFC, NDIN (% total N), ADIN (% total N), pH, lactic acid and propionic acid. On the other hand, with increasing DCS levels, a linear decline was observed in values of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, ammonia nitrogen (% total N) and butyric acid. DCS did not show effect on the TC and acetic acid in the silages. As a result, up to 16% dehydrated cashew stalk may be added to elephant-grass silages, based on the fresh matter, to increase CP and NFC levels and decrease NDF and ADF and improve the fermentation patterns. It should be taken into account that higher NDIN and ADIN values may interfere in nitrogen availability and therefore in further DM intake.

Chemical and bromatological characteristics of elephant grass silages containing a mango by-product

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.) silages with the addition of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% dehydrated mango (Mangifera indica, L.) by-product (DMB), on the fresh matter basis. A randomized complete design with four replications was used. As experimental silos, 210L plastic drums were used. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HCEL), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN, % total N), acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN, % total N), pH values, ammoniacal nitrogen (% total N), lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid levels were determined. The DM, OM, CP, EE, NFC, NDIN, lactic acid and propionic acid levels increased with the DMB addition while the NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, N-NH3/ammoniacal nitrogen levels and the pH values decreased with the DMB addition. The addition of DMB had a quadratic effect on the acetic and butyric acid levels but there was no effect with the addition of DMB on TC and ADIN. The DMB can be used at the ensiling of the elephant grass, because the addition of 8.6% improves the silages fermentative process. However, these silages have low crude protein levels and high contents of ether extract and nitrogen compounds mixed with the fiber (NDIN and ADIN) in the silages, that may damage their use by animals.