Nutritional and fermentative quality of maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.) silages at different cutting ages and ground corn levels

Abstract

Effect of cutting age and level of ground corn grain inclusion were determined on nutritional and fermentative quality of maralfalfa silages (Pennisetum sp). Two cutting ages 48 and 60 (Days After Regrowth) and five levels of ground corn (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 %) were evaluated on pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), hemicellulose, and cellulose; as well as in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The data obtained were analyzed under a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (2X5, two cutting ages anda five corn levels). In maralfalfa silage 48 DAR and 5% ground corn was obtained highest content of crude protein (12.2%; P ≤ 0.05), and was decreased the level ammoniacal nitrogen (0.06%; P ≤ 0.05), also was observed in maralfalfa silages 60 DAR that addition ground corn increased digestibility and decreased cellulose content. The addition of ground corn to silages improved nutritional and fermentative characteristics and reduced pH, and ammoniacal nitrogen in maralfalfa silages, which improved the conservation, quality and digestibility. Results indicate that the production of maralfalfa silage more the addition of ground corn can improve protein content and digestibility, becoming in an option to incorporate into feeding of livestock.