Feeding Systems with Legumes to Intensify Dairy Farms - cgiar

Table 1. Characteristics* of Cratylia argentea silage using three types of
additives.
Additive Ratio
(w/w, %)
34
Odor Color pH
Molasses 10 3 3 4.12
20 3 3 4.00
30
3 3 4.05
Pineapple pulp 25 3 2.33 4.45
50 3 3 3.90
75
3 2.83 3.45
Chopped sugarcane 25 3 2.5 3.37
50 3 2.5 4.00
75 2.83 2.33 4.73
* Silage quality: 1 = poor; 2 = intermediate; and 3 = good.
The “buffer” effect was evident in Cratylia, especially in the treatment
with 10% molasses. In elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), the addition
of 10% cane molasses increases the SC content to more than 11%.
Fermentation is also optimal with pH values close to 3.5 (Vargas et al.,
1981; Chacón, 1987). Furthermore, buffer capacity could limit
carbohydrate use and lactic fermentation and, accordingly, high pH values
in several other treatments, especially those with higher/lower SC contents.
Conclusions
Based on available data, the following conclusions and
recommendations were made:
• The addition of 10% molasses should be sufficient to obtain good
Cratylia silage.
• Pineapple pulp added at levels higher than 25% improves fermentation
of Cratylia silage, although this material has a high water content that
increases transportation costs.
• Chopped sugarcane, added at 25%, contributes SC for good lactic
fermentation; at higher levels, there is a risk of promoting an alcoholic
process.