Joyce Rodrigues Cabral
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative characteristics and mineral composition corn silage produced with local varieties and maize hybrids grown in the second season of harvest. We used a randomized block experimental design, with four replications. Varieties MPA1, CAIANO and EMGOPA 501 and hybrids 2B587, 2B710 and NB8315 were harvested at stage ripening grain ½ milky and ½ dough. Plants whole corn was cut, chopped into crusher stationary in fractions of approximately 3cm and ensiled. The values of pH, acidity and ammonia nitrogen were within the range considered suitable for silage. Difference between dry matter content of silage, ranging from 32 to 38.41%. The crude protein, ether extract, total digestible nutrients and fiber acid detergent showed no significant differences each other and ranged from 9.59 to 11.49%, 1.02 to 1.35%, to 61.9 68.7% and from 24.71 to 32.75%, respectively. The content of neutral detergent fiber was higher in the variety EMGOPA 501 (63.18%) and lower in hybrid 2B587 (53.76%). The mineral contents present in silages did not differ significant and was within the range cited in literature. In the silage assessed, the fermentation characteristics were to be adequate.
