Effect of urea on gas and effluent losses, microbial populations, aerobic stability and chemical compositivo of corn (Zea mays L.) silage

Authors

  • Ana Paula Maia dos Santos Federal University of Paraíba. Department of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079, 58397- 000. Areia. Paraíba. Brazil
  • Edson Mauro Santos Federal University of Paraíba. Department of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079, 58397- 000. Areia. Paraíba. Brazil
  • Juliana Silva de Oliveira Federal University of Paraíba. Department of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079, 58397- 000. Areia. Paraíba. Brazil
  • Gleidson Giordano Pinto de Carvalho Federal University of Bahia. Department of Animal Science. Av. Adhemar de Barros. 500. Ondina. 40170110. Salvador. Bahia. Brazil
  • Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. Embrapa Tropical Semiarid. Rodovia BR-428. Km 152. S/N, 56302970. Petrolina. Pernambuco
  • Anderson Moura Zanine Federal University of Maranhão. Department of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4, s/n. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil
  • Ricardo Martins Araújo Pinho Federal University of Maranhão. Department of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4, s/n. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil
  • Daniele de Jesus Ferreira Federal University of Maranhão. Department of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4, s/n. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil
  • Alberto Jefferson da Silva Macedo Federal University of Paraíba. Department of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079, 58397- 000. Areia. Paraíba. Brazil
  • Joyce Pereira Alves Federal University of Paraíba. Department of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079, 58397- 000. Areia. Paraíba. Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48162/rev.39.030

Keywords:

lactic acid, lactic acid bacteria, silage additives, yeasts, Zea mays L.

Abstract

Abstract_graphical.jpg

We evaluated the effects of urea addition on gas and effluent losses, fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability and chemical composition of corn silages. A completely randomised design with five levels of urea (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% based on dry matter) and five replicates was used. A decreasing linear effect of urea levels on effluent losses in corn silages was observed. In parallel, an increasing linear effect of urea levels on pH, increasing from 3.49 to 4.12 in silages without urea in relation to silages with the maximum urea level, was also observed. Urea addition improved the aerobic stability of the silages, with 62 h for the silages without urea and from 90 to >96 h for the silages with urea. Based on the results of the principal components, two groups (I and II) could be distinguished. The most discriminating variables in group I were dry matter (-0.9), pH (-1.2) and lactic acid bacteria (-0.9), while in group II, effluent losses (1.0), ethanol (1.0), acetic acid (0.8) and gas losses (0.8) were most important. The use of urea at inclusion levels of around 2% in corn silage reduced gas losses, improved the nutritive value and promote the aerobic stability of silages.

Highlights:

  • The addition of urea in the corn silages increased the pH values from 3.49 (control) to 4.12 (2% of urea DM).
  • The use of urea improved chemical composition of corn silages.
  • The addition of urea reduced the moulds and yeast populations in the corn silages after exposure to air.
  • Urea addition improved the aerobic stability of the corn silages.

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Published

07-07-2021

Issue

Section

Agroindustrial technologies

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