The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the fermentative and chemical parameters of four different bulk densities of marandugrass (Brachiaria brizantha) silages. The forage was harvested with 60 days of vegetative growth and 32% of DM. The bulk densities used were 100, 120, 140 and 160 kg DM/m3. Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Gas production data were analyzed by repeated measures model. The lower density silages showed greater gas production. Low effluent production […]

The experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of processing (whole or ground) and the inclusion level of coffee hulls, (0; 6; 12; 18 and 24%; fresh matter basis) on the chemical-bromatological composition, fermentation characteristic and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) of the elephantgrass silages. The variables were analyzed as a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement (processing and level of inclusion), distributed in a complete randomized experimental design with three replications. Processing and level of inclusion increased DM concentration and did […]

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the nutritional quality and fermentation characteristics of sugarcane silages treated with inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum in doses of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 x 106 cfu/g NM), 40% sodium hydroxide solution (3% dry matter basis), or 10% of soybean crop residue added according to the sugarcane fresh weight. The variety RB855536 harvested at 11 and 13 months of age was used. The experiment was conducted at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa Animal Science Department, […]

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics and nutritional quality of sugarcane treated with microbial additives and 10% of soybean crop residue based on sugarcane fresh weight. The variety RB855536 harvested at 16 months of age was used in a completely randomized design with tree repetitions. Addition of soybean crop residue reduced 33% of DM losses and 60% of ammonia-N (% total N) although final silage pH increased. Use of inoculants reduced silage pH only in […]

The present trial aimed to evaluate the effects of wilting (wet vs. wilted), particle size reduction (small vs. large) and the addition of fibrolytic enzymes (alone vs. combined with Lactobacillus plantarum) on the chemical composition and effluent yield of Tanzaniagrass silages (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania). The forage was harvested and cut at 45-day vegetative re-growth period and stored in the experimental plastic silos (50 L) during 136 days. During the storage period, the effluent flow was collected and measured […]