R. Bras. Zootec.17/jul/2026;55:e20250211.

Forragicultura

Influence of bagging machine and roll type combinations on the conservation, processing, and starch degradability of rehydrated corn and sorghum grains

Natália Nunes de Melo , Matheus Wilson Silva Cordeiro , Thiago Fernandes Bernardes

DOI: 10.37496/rbz5520250211

ABSTRACT

Five bagger configurations were evaluated for their effects on physical characteristics, fermentation, and starch degradability in corn (Exp. 1) and sorghum (Exp. 2) grain silages. Both experiments were conducted using five treatments, involving baggers with different nominal power ratings (60, 75, and 90 hp; designated as M-60, M-75, and M-90). The treatments consisted of the following configurations: M-60 equipped with a standard roll; M-75 and M-90 equipped with intermediate and coarse rolls for corn; and fine and intermediate rolls for sorghum. Three bags were produced for each treatment, for a total of 15 silos (experimental units) per experiment. Treatments were considered fixed effects, whereas bags nested within treatments were considered random effects. Means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5%. The degree of grinding of corn and sorghum grains, as well as its effects on silage fermentation and starch degradability was assessed. No differences were observed in fermentation and microbial counts. In Exp. 1 (corn), M-60 + standard roll exhibited greater degradability (72.6%; P = 0.02). In corn, coarse rolls (M-75 and M-90) increased particle retention on 4.75 mm sieves and reduced particle retention on 1.70 and 1.18 mm sieves, resulting in an increase in geometric mean diameter (GMD; P = 0.01). In Exp. 2 (sorghum), intermediate rolls increased the proportion of larger particles, the GMD (P = 0.003), and the number of whole grain kernels, especially with M-90 (P = 0.015). Overall, for ensiling corn in silo bags, the M-60 + standard roll and the M-75 and M-90 + intermediate rolls are suggested, as these combinations enhance grain disruption and starch degradability. For sorghum, using fine rolls on the M-75 and M-90 baggers is recommended to improve grain fragmentation.