Abstract

OLIVEIRA-BORGATTI, Laura M. et al. Fractionation of dry matter losses of sugarcane silage treated with alkalis or urea. Agrociencia [online]. 2015, vol.49, n.4, pp.411-422. ISSN 2521-9766.

Different additives evaluation can contribute fof improving quality and yield of silage production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding alkalis or urea on fractionation losses due to fermentation and on aerobic stability of sugarcane silage. The experimental design was completely randomized with 13 treatments (6x2) +1: 6 additives (1 or 2 %) plus a control group, and four repetitions per treatment. Data were analyzed by polynomial regression analysis using GLM procedure. The tested additives were sodium hydroxide (NaOH), limestone (CaCO₃), urea (CO(NH₂)₂), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), quicklime (CaO) and hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂). The material was ensiled in 52 laboratory silos (plastic buckets; 12 L capacity) and silos were opened 60 d after ensilage. Losses were calculated as the difference among weights at the filling and at the opening of the silos, multiplied by their dry matter (DM) content. Fraction losses were obtained by multiplying initial and final DM amounts by their contents of components. The inclusion of all additives in both concentrations diminished DM loss between 27 to 40 %, as compared to control group. Soluble carbohydrates loss was decreased between 7 to 62 % by NaOH, NaHCO3 and CaCO3 addition, as compared to control group. Sodium bicarbonate, CaO and Ca(OH)₂ inclusion reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) loss between 20.5 to 51 % and diminished acid detergent fiber (ADF) between 39 to 58 %, as compared to control group. The use of NaOH, CaO and Ca(OH)₂ improved aerobic stability of silages.

Keywords : additive; aerobic stability; conserved forage; ensilage; Saccharum officinarum.

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