Panmera Almeida Helrigel
Abstract:
In order to determine the cellulase dose to be added to the mombaça grass ensiling process and the minimum fermentation period for silo opening. Bromatological composition, cell wall digestibility and fermentation characteristics were analyzed. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three doses of cellulase weight/weight (0, 3 and 6%) and three fermentation periods (30, 60 and 120 days), totaling 36 experimental silos. For silage, mombaça grass was cut at a height of approximately 80 cm at 20 cm from ground level. The enzyme addition was efficient in improving the fermentative and bromatological parameters of the silages of the cultivar in question. The addition of cellulase promoted a reduction of 5.7% in the FDN content in relation to the control, consequently, there was a reduction in fiber digestibility of 6.6% in relation to the control. On the other hand, there was an increase in the net lactation energy content, an increase of 15%, with the increase of energy in greater proportion than the reduction of digestibility. Enzyme use also resulted in lower pH values and higher titratable acidity, indicating that the fermentation process occurred within recommended standards. After 30 days of ensilage, the treated silages were fit for animal consumption. After 120 days, all treatments showed a reduction in quality indicating that tropical grass silages should be used within 60 days of fermentation.
