Sealing strategies in corn silage and sheep performance in feedlots / Estratégias de vedação na ensilagem de milho e desempenho de ovinos em confinamento

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different sealing strategies on aerobic stability and feed value of corn silage supplied to finishing lambs. The treatments were set up according to the silo sealing strategy: BP (black polyethylene film), BP + Bagasse (black polyethylene film + sugarcane bagasse) and BP + Silostop (Silostop® Orange oxygen barrier film + black polyethylene film). Six lambs per treatment were used, totaling 18 animals in an experimental period of 63 days. The silage from LP treatment presented the highest aerobic stability, however with lower dry matter digestibility coefficients. No significant differences were detected among treatments for intake and performance of lambs. But for final body weight, weight gain, daily average gain, feed efficiency and dry matter intake, the best results, in absolute value, were found for lambs fed with silage from LP + Bagasse treatment. The silage sealed exclusively with black polyethylene film showed greater aerobic stability. The different sealing strategies used in this experiment did not influence the performance of finishing Dorper x Santa Inês lambs.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de differentes estratégias de vedação sobre a estabilidade aeróbia e o valor alimentício da silagem de milho fornecida para cordeiros em terminação. Os tratamentos foram definidos de acordo com a estratégia de vedação do silo: LP (lona preta de polietileno), LP + Bagaço (lona preta de polietileno + bagaço de cana) e LP + Silostop (lona preta de polietileno + filme de barreira de oxigênio Silostop® Orange). Foram utilizados seis cordeiros por tratamento, totalizando 18 animais, em um período experimental de 63 dias. A silagem do tratamento LP apresentou maior estabilidade aeróbia, porém proporcionou menor coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para o consumo e desempenho dos cordeiros. Todavia, para o peso corporal final, ganho de peso, ganho médio diário, eficiência alimentar e consumo de matéria seca, os melhores resultados, em valor absoluto, foram encontrados para os cordeiros alimentados com dieta à base da silagem coberta com LP + Bagaço. A silagem vedada exclusivamente com a lona preta de polietileno apresentou maior estabilidade aeróbia. As diferentes estratégias de vedação utilizadas nesse experimento não influenciaram o desempenho de cordeiros Dorper x Santa Inês em terminação.(AU)

Indicadores de estabilidad aeróbica en ensilajes de la mezcla Tithonia diversifolia/Pennisetum purpureum enriquecidos con lactobacillus / Indicators of aerobic stability in silages of the mixture Tithonia diversifolia/Pennisetum purpureum enriched with lactobacillus

RESUMEN En épocas de escasez, los ganaderos recurren a conservar el alimento mediante procesos de fermentación anaeróbica, conocidos como ensilajes. Una vez que el silo es abierto, el sustrato resulta aeróbicamente estable, cuando, al momento de la apertura, conserva su integridad nutricional. Esto es el resultado de un ambiente ácido que restringe los efectos deletéreos de la acción de microrganismos patógenos, expresado en indicadores de estabilidad a la exposición aeróbica. Uno de los problemas empíricos que enfrenta el productor es resolver la pregunta de cómo evitar el deterioro del ensilaje, una vez es abierto, por lo cual, esta investigación apunta a la resistencia en el periodo de exposición aeróbica (PEA) de un ensilaje de Pennisetum purpureum (PP), con diferentes niveles de sustitución de Tithonia diversifolia (TD). El estudio, se adelantó en el Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical en Colombia. Con un ensilaje de 90 días de fermentación, se realizó una prueba de estabilidad aeróbica de siete días, usando ensilajes de un kilogramo, a diferentes proporciones (%) de TD/PP: 100/0, 67/33, 33/67 y 0/100, enriquecidos con dos aditivos basados en Lactobacillus. Se midió el cambio de la materia seca, temperatura y el pH, encontrándose una estabilidad a la exposición aeróbica. El papel de TD es notable, una vez que el ensilado entra en el PEA, debido a la capacidad tampón que amortigua el cambio de pH, una vez que se abre el silo, generando mayor estabilidad aeróbica.

ABSTRACT In times of scarcity, farmers resort to preserving food through anaerobic fermentation processes, known as silage. Once the silo is opened, the substrate is aerobically stable if it retains its nutritional integrity when opening. This is the result of an acidic environment that restricts the deleterious effects of the action of pathogenic microorganisms, expressed as indicators of stability to aerobic exposure. One of the empirical problems faced by the producer is to solve the question of how to avoid deterioration of the silage once it is opened, for which this research points to the resistance in the period of aerobic exposure (PEA) of a silage of Pennisetum purpureum (PP) with different levels of substitution of Tithonia diversifolia (TD). The study was conducted at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Colombia. With a 90-day fermentation silage, a seven-day aerobic stability test was carried out, using a kilogram silage at different proportions (%) of TD/PP: 100/0, 67/33, 33/67 and 0/100 enriched with two Lactobacillus-based additives. The change in dry matter, temperature and pH was measured, finding stability to aerobic exposure. The role of TD is remarkable once the silage enters the PEA due to the buffer capacity that buffers the change in pH once the silo is opened, generating greater aerobic stability.

Feed-out rate used as a tool to manage the aerobic deterioration of corn silages in tropical and temperate climates.

There is an increasing recognition throughout the world that many of the feeding problems of dairy herds are linked to the presence of aerobically deteriorated parts on a silo face, causing farmers to pose questions on what amount of silage should be removed daily to feed their animals. Since an adequate feed-out rate helps to prevent silage spoilage, a simple tool is needed to manage the aerobic deterioration of corn silages during feed-out. The aims of this study were to develop an unloading rate index, which we have called the mass feed-out rate (MFR), expressed in kilograms of fresh matter silage unloaded daily per square meter of silo face, to better predict the aerobic deterioration of silage and to offer management solutions to help prevent spoilage, through a survey on 97 commercial dairy farms in Italy and Brazil. Silages were sampled and analyzed for their main microbial, fermentative, and nutritional characteristics, whereas silage temperatures were measured in the core and peripheral areas of the silo working face. Moreover, a detailed questionnaire on silo management and silage utilization was administered to the farmers during each farm visit. The size and silage density of the silos presented a wide variability in the 2 countries, thus indicating that different management practices were adopted during corn harvesting, silo filling, and silage compaction. The differences between pH and temperature in the peripheral areas and in the core of the silage (dpH and dT, respectively) were tested as a single indicator to identify any aerobic deteriorated areas on the silo face, associated with the yeast and mold counts. Both indicators correctly identified aerobic deterioration in 86.6% and 93.8% of the studied silos, respectively. The lactic acid and ethanol increased as the MFR increased, whereas the starch, dT, and the yeast and mold counts decreased with increasing MFR. A daily removal rate of over 250 kg of silage/m2 markedly reduced the risk of spoilage in corn silages at a farm level in both temperate and tropical environments. The new MFR index can substitute for the commonly used linear feed-out rate as it includes the silage density and can be obtained from 1 single recording.

Occurrence of visible losses and relationship with corn silage management in dairy farms in the State of Paraná

The aim of this study was to relate the occurrence of visible losses in silage (effluent, spoiled top-layer and during feedout) with silage-making practices, physical and chemical characteristics of silage, and milk composition in Brazilian dairy herds. One-hundred and eight silos from 95 farms, in the State of Parana, were visited for data collection. Data were analyzed by Fisher's Exact and Pearson Correlation Test. Effluent loss was higher in silages with the lowest dry matter content. Using unwalled clamp (drive-over piles) silos, neglecting a protection over the plastic film, and unloading silage with a bucket increased the occurrence of top spoilage. Feedout losses were higher in farms where: the crop was harvested with self-propelled machines; the particle size was larger, and the silage density was lower. There was no relationship between visible losses and silage composition or milk composition, except for milk fat content that, unexpectedly, there was a positive correlation with spoiled silage in the top-layer. Silage losses are reduced by adopting good practices during silage production and feedout.

Occurrence of visible losses and relationship with corn silage management in dairy farms in the State of Paraná

The aim of this study was to relate the occurrence of visible losses in silage (effluent, spoiled top-layer and during feedout) with silage-making practices, physical and chemical characteristics of silage, and milk composition in Brazilian dairy herds. One-hundred and eight silos from 95 farms, in the State of Parana, were visited for data collection. Data were analyzed by Fisher's Exact and Pearson Correlation Test. Effluent loss was higher in silages with the lowest dry matter content. Using unwalled clamp (drive-over piles) silos, neglecting a protection over the plastic film, and unloading silage with a bucket increased the occurrence of top spoilage. Feedout losses were higher in farms where: the crop was harvested with self-propelled machines; the particle size was larger, and the silage density was lower. There was no relationship between visible losses and silage composition or milk composition, except for milk fat content that, unexpectedly, there was a positive correlation with spoiled silage in the top-layer. Silage losses are reduced by adopting good practices during silage production and feedout.(AU)

A survey of whole-plant corn silages from Minas Gerais dairy farms

Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is a commonly used forage for feeding dairy cattle in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate on-farm ensilaging practices and the nutritional value, microbiology and fermentation profiles of WPCS from dairy farms in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Silages from 54 dairy farms located in nine cities were sampled and a questionnaire was distributed for completion to describe the herd profile and ensilage practices. Herd size ranged from 8 to 1,000 lactating cows, and 52 % of the farms had fewer than 50 cows in lactation. The majority of the farms cultivated hard endosperm texture hybrids (52 %) and used pull-type forage harvesters (87 %). Double-sided plastic was the most used form of silo sealing (56 %) and 28 % used inoculants. Lactic acid bacteria count was greater than 6.01 log CFU g1 in 60 % of the samples, and the mean populations of enterobacteria and Bacillus spp. were 4.23 and 4.09 log CFU g1, respectively. Silo size ranged from 100 to 250 m3 in 44 % of the farms, and the silage removal rate was below 15 cm of the face/d in 41 % of cases. Silage dry matter (DM) concentration was 33 ± 3 % of fresh matter, NDF concentration was 57 ± 7 % of the DM, and in vitro NDF digestibility was 35 ± 11 % of the NDF. Silages with high DM concentrations had large particle size, affecting the nutritional value and the fermentative pattern. Improvements in ensiling practices can potentially inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and raise the nutritional value of silages.

A survey of whole-plant corn silages from Minas Gerais dairy farms

Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is a commonly used forage for feeding dairy cattle in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate on-farm ensilaging practices and the nutritional value, microbiology and fermentation profiles of WPCS from dairy farms in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Silages from 54 dairy farms located in nine cities were sampled and a questionnaire was distributed for completion to describe the herd profile and ensilage practices. Herd size ranged from 8 to 1,000 lactating cows, and 52 % of the farms had fewer than 50 cows in lactation. The majority of the farms cultivated hard endosperm texture hybrids (52 %) and used pull-type forage harvesters (87 %). Double-sided plastic was the most used form of silo sealing (56 %) and 28 % used inoculants. Lactic acid bacteria count was greater than 6.01 log CFU g1 in 60 % of the samples, and the mean populations of enterobacteria and Bacillus spp. were 4.23 and 4.09 log CFU g1, respectively. Silo size ranged from 100 to 250 m3 in 44 % of the farms, and the silage removal rate was below 15 cm of the face/d in 41 % of cases. Silage dry matter (DM) concentration was 33 ± 3 % of fresh matter, NDF concentration was 57 ± 7 % of the DM, and in vitro NDF digestibility was 35 ± 11 % of the NDF. Silages with high DM concentrations had large particle size, affecting the nutritional value and the fermentative pattern. Improvements in ensiling practices can potentially inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and raise the nutritional value of silages.(AU)

Wilting whole crop black oat with glyphosate for ensiling: effects on nutritive, fermentative, and aerobic stability characteristics

We aimed to evaluate the effects of glyphosate as a chemical desiccant on the nutritional quality, fermentation pattern, and aerobic stability of wilted black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) silage. Black oat sowing occurred in the first fortnight of May 2013. Desiccant application took place when oat reached milky/dough grain stage (96 days after planting). Glyphosate dosages evaluated were 0, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mL ha−1. Three days after desiccation, all treatments were ensiled, and the silos were kept stored for 150 days. A completely randomized design was used, and all statistical procedures were performed by means of Bayesian Inference. Treating herbage prior to ensiling from 500 mL ha−1 glyphosate increased dry matter and organic matter contents compared with control. On the other hand, fiber content decreased linearly for desiccated silages, as shown by the negative slopes for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose. The highest concentrations of hemicellulose and neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen occurred for the dosages of 729.96 mL ha−1 and 759.52 mL ha−1 glyphosate, respectively. Wilted silage had less concentration of acetic acid and isovaleric acid and presented a higher amount of 2,3-butanediol. Due to the lack of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, treated silages had a higher organic matter loss (0.1 g mL−1) and reached a maximum pH (0.009 h mL−1) more quickly than control silage, after aerobic exposure. In this way, for wilted black oat silage production, harvested at milky/dough grain stage, the application of 500 mL ha−1 glyphosate is recommended.(AU)

Sealing type effect on corn silage quality in bunker silos / Eficiência do tipo de vedação sobre a qualidade de silagem de milho em silo trincheira

Forage conservation in silos depends on the efficiency of silo sealing, among other factors, to minimize aerobic deterioration and consequent qualitative and quantitative losses in silage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two sealing types on dry matter recovery rate, aerobic stability, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of corn silage in bunker silos: 110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing (conventional sealing) and110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing superimposed on 111-µm-thick translucent polyethylene sealing (double sealing). There were no significant differences in nutritional composition of silages between conventional and double sealing. However, the double sealing system was more efficient (P<0.05) in maintaining lower silo temperatures (30.48°C vs. 31.18°C), in dry matter recovery (88.79% vs. 85.64%), and increased in vitro neutral-detergent fiber digestibility (33.04% vs. 24.6%), when compared to the conventional version.

A conservação de forragens na forma de silagem depende, dentre outros fatores, da vedação eficiente do silo, com vistas a minimizar a deterioração aeróbia e consequentes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas da silagem. Assim, objetivou-se no presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de vedação sobre o índice de recuperação de matéria seca, a estabilidade aeróbia, a composição nutricional e a digestibilidade “in vitro”, em silos trincheira de armazenamento de silagem de milho: Vedação Convencional - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm e Dupla Vedação - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm sobreposto a outro polietileno translúcido com espessura de 111µm. Não houve diferença significativa na composição nutricional das silagens resultantes entre os dois tipos de vedação, porém o sistema de dupla vedação foi mais eficiente (P<0,05) na manutenção de menores temperaturas no interior do silo (30,48ºC vs 31,18ºC), na recuperação da matéria seca (88,79% vs 85,64%) e no aumento da digestibilidade “in vitro” da FDN (33,04% vs 24,6%) quando comparado ao sistema de vedação convencional.

Sealing type effect on corn silage quality in bunker silos / Eficiência do tipo de vedação sobre a qualidade de silagem de milho em silo trincheira

Forage conservation in silos depends on the efficiency of silo sealing, among other factors, to minimize aerobic deterioration and consequent qualitative and quantitative losses in silage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two sealing types on dry matter recovery rate, aerobic stability, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of corn silage in bunker silos: 110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing (conventional sealing) and110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing superimposed on 111-µm-thick translucent polyethylene sealing (double sealing). There were no significant differences in nutritional composition of silages between conventional and double sealing. However, the double sealing system was more efficient (P<0.05) in maintaining lower silo temperatures (30.48°C vs. 31.18°C), in dry matter recovery (88.79% vs. 85.64%), and increased in vitro neutral-detergent fiber digestibility (33.04% vs. 24.6%), when compared to the conventional version.(AU)

A conservação de forragens na forma de silagem depende, dentre outros fatores, da vedação eficiente do silo, com vistas a minimizar a deterioração aeróbia e consequentes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas da silagem. Assim, objetivou-se no presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de vedação sobre o índice de recuperação de matéria seca, a estabilidade aeróbia, a composição nutricional e a digestibilidade “in vitro”, em silos trincheira de armazenamento de silagem de milho: Vedação Convencional - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm e Dupla Vedação - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm sobreposto a outro polietileno translúcido com espessura de 111µm. Não houve diferença significativa na composição nutricional das silagens resultantes entre os dois tipos de vedação, porém o sistema de dupla vedação foi mais eficiente (P<0,05) na manutenção de menores temperaturas no interior do silo (30,48ºC vs 31,18ºC), na recuperação da matéria seca (88,79% vs 85,64%) e no aumento da digestibilidade “in vitro” da FDN (33,04% vs 24,6%) quando comparado ao sistema de vedação convencional.(AU)

Lining bunker walls with oxygen barrier film reduces nutrient losses in corn silages.

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 systems for covering corn silage in bunker silos. The first system consisted of a sheet of 45-µm-thick oxygen barrier film (OB, polyethylene + ethylene-vinyl alcohol) placed along the length of the sidewall before filling. After filling, the excess film was pulled over the wall on top of the silage, and a sheet of polyethylene was placed on top. The second system involved using a standard sheet (ST) of 180-µm-thick polyethylene film. Eight commercial bunker silos were divided into 2 parts lengthwise so that one-half of the silo was covered with OB and the other half with a ST system. During the filling, 3 net bags with chopped corn were buried in the central part (halfway between the top and bottom of the silo) of the bunkers (CCOR) in 3 sections 10 m apart. After filling, 18 net bags (9 per covering system) were buried 40 cm below the top surface of the 3 sections. These bags were placed at 3 distances from the bunker walls (0 to 50 cm, 51 to 100 cm, and 101 to 150 cm). During unloading, the bags were removed from the silos to determine the dry matter (DM) losses, fermentation end products, and nutritive value. The Milk2006 spreadsheet was used to estimate milk per tonne of DM. The model included the fixed effect of treatment (7 different locations in the bunker) and the random effect of the silo. Two contrasts were tested to compare silages in the top laterals (shoulders) with that in the CCOR (CCOR vs. OB and CCOR vs. ST). Three contrasts compared the corresponding distances of the silage covered by the 2 systems (OB50 vs. ST50, OB100 vs. ST100 and OB150 vs. ST150). Variables were analyzed with the PROC MIXED procedure of the SAS at the 5% level. The OB method produced well-fermented silages, which were similar to CCOR, whereas the OB system showed less lactic acid and greater pH and mold counts compared with CCOR. The ST method had 116.2 kg of milk/t less than the CCOR, as the OB system and the CCOR were similar (1,258.3 and 1,294.0 kg/t, respectively). Regarding the distances from the walls, the effects were more pronounced from 0 to 101 cm. The OB50 and OB100 silages had better quality and lower mold counts and DM losses than ST50 and ST100. The OB system reduced DM and nutrient losses at the shoulders in farm bunker corn silages compared with no sidewall plastic. The OB film should lap onto the crop for at least 200 cm so that 150 cm are covered outward from the wall.

Sealing type effect on corn silage quality in bunker silos / Eficiência do tipo de vedação sobre a qualidade de silagem de milho em silo trincheira

ABSTRACT: Forage conservation in silos depends on the efficiency of silo sealing, among other factors, to minimize aerobic deterioration and consequent qualitative and quantitative losses in silage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two sealing types on dry matter recovery rate, aerobic stability, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of corn silage in bunker silos: 110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing (conventional sealing) and110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing superimposed on 111-µm-thick translucent polyethylene sealing (double sealing). There were no significant differences in nutritional composition of silages between conventional and double sealing. However, the double sealing system was more efficient (P<0.05) in maintaining lower silo temperatures (30.48°C vs. 31.18°C), in dry matter recovery (88.79% vs. 85.64%), and increased in vitro neutral-detergent fiber digestibility (33.04% vs. 24.6%), when compared to the conventional version.

RESUMO: A conservação de forragens na forma de silagem depende, dentre outros fatores, da vedação eficiente do silo, com vistas a minimizar a deterioração aeróbia e consequentes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas da silagem. Assim, objetivou-se no presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de vedação sobre o índice de recuperação de matéria seca, a estabilidade aeróbia, a composição nutricional e a digestibilidade “in vitro”, em silos trincheira de armazenamento de silagem de milho: Vedação Convencional - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm e Dupla Vedação - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm sobreposto a outro polietileno translúcido com espessura de 111µm. Não houve diferença significativa na composição nutricional das silagens resultantes entre os dois tipos de vedação, porém o sistema de dupla vedação foi mais eficiente (P<0,05) na manutenção de menores temperaturas no interior do silo (30,48ºC vs 31,18ºC), na recuperação da matéria seca (88,79% vs 85,64%) e no aumento da digestibilidade “in vitro” da FDN (33,04% vs 24,6%) quando comparado ao sistema de vedação convencional.

Sealing type effect on corn silage quality in bunker silos

ABSTRACT: Forage conservation in silos depends on the efficiency of silo sealing, among other factors, to minimize aerobic deterioration and consequent qualitative and quantitative losses in silage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two sealing types on dry matter recovery rate, aerobic stability, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of corn silage in bunker silos: 110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing (conventional sealing) and110-µm-thick double-sided polyethylene sealing superimposed on 111-µm-thick translucent polyethylene sealing (double sealing). There were no significant differences in nutritional composition of silages between conventional and double sealing. However, the double sealing system was more efficient (P 0.05) in maintaining lower silo temperatures (30.48°C vs. 31.18°C), in dry matter recovery (88.79% vs. 85.64%), and increased in vitro neutral-detergent fiber digestibility (33.04% vs. 24.6%), when compared to the conventional version.

RESUMO: A conservação de forragens na forma de silagem depende, dentre outros fatores, da vedação eficiente do silo, com vistas a minimizar a deterioração aeróbia e consequentes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas da silagem. Assim, objetivou-se no presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de vedação sobre o índice de recuperação de matéria seca, a estabilidade aeróbia, a composição nutricional e a digestibilidade in vitro, em silos trincheira de armazenamento de silagem de milho: Vedação Convencional - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm e Dupla Vedação - polietileno tipo dupla face com espessura de 110µm sobreposto a outro polietileno translúcido com espessura de 111µm. Não houve diferença significativa na composição nutricional das silagens resultantes entre os dois tipos de vedação, porém o sistema de dupla vedação foi mais eficiente (P 0,05) na manutenção de menores temperaturas no interior do silo (30,48ºC vs 31,18ºC), na recuperação da matéria seca (88,79% vs 85,64%) e no aumento da digestibilidade in vitro da FDN (33,04% vs 24,6%) quando comparado ao sistema de vedação convencional.

Nutritional composition and aerobic stability of winter cereal silage at different storage times / Composição nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno com diferentes tempos de estocagem

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the nutritional composition, dry matter (DM) recovery and aerobic stability of winter cereal silages under different storage periods. The materials used were wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), white oat (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), black oat (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) and triticale (X Triticosecale IPR 11), in three storage periods: 60, 120 and 180 days. The experiment was conducted in a 5x3 factorial, completely randomized design, consisting of five forage species and three storage periods, with five replicates. In nutritional assessment, barley silage presented low values of acid detergent fiber (ADF; 331.2, 355.2 and 378.5 g kg DM-1 for 60, 120, 180 days, respectively), high total digestible nutrients (TDN; 558.2, 544.7 and 531.6 g kg DM-1 for 60, 120, 180 days, respectively), high DM recovery and aerobic stability. Wheat and triticale showed a decrease in DM recovery with the increase in storage length, although showed high aerobic stability. The storage period had a different effect on forages; however, storage period above 60 days provided no benefits for the variables evaluated.

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar a composição nutricional, a recuperação de matéria seca (MS) e a estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno submetidas a diferentes tempos de estocagem. Os materiais utilizados foram o trigo (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), cevada (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), aveia branca (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), aveia preta (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) e triticale (X Triticosecale cv. IPR 11), em três tempos de estocagem: 60, 120 e 180 dias. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5x3. Na avaliação nutricional, a silagem de cevada apresentou baixos teores de fibra em detergente ácido (FDA; 331; 355 e 378 g kg MS-1, para 60, 120 e 180 dias, respectivamente) e altos de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT; 558; 544 e 531 g kg MS-1 para 60, 120 e 180 dias, respectivamente), além de alta recuperação de MS e estabilidade aeróbia. O trigo e o triticale apresentaram decréscimo na recuperação de MS com o aumento dos dias de estocagem, embora tenham apresentado alta estabilidade aeróbia. O tempo de estocagem influenciou de maneira distinta as forrageiras, no entanto, tempos de estocagem acima de 60 dias não proporcionaram benefícios para as variáveis avaliadas.

Nutritional composition and aerobic stability of winter cereal silage at different storage times / Composição nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno com diferentes tempos de estocagem

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the nutritional composition, dry matter (DM) recovery and aerobic stability of winter cereal silages under different storage periods. The materials used were wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), white oat (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), black oat (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) and triticale (X Triticosecale IPR 11), in three storage periods: 60, 120 and 180 days. The experiment was conducted in a 5x3 factorial, completely randomized design, consisting of five forage species and three storage periods, with five replicates. In nutritional assessment, barley silage presented low values of acid detergent fiber (ADF; 331.2, 355.2 and 378.5 g kg DM-1 for 60, 120, 180 days, respectively), high total digestible nutrients (TDN; 558.2, 544.7 and 531.6 g kg DM-1 for 60, 120, 180 days, respectively), high DM recovery and aerobic stability. Wheat and triticale showed a decrease in DM recovery with the increase in storage length, although showed high aerobic stability. The storage period had a different effect on forages; however, storage period above 60 days provided no benefits for the variables evaluated.(AU)

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar a composição nutricional, a recuperação de matéria seca (MS) e a estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno submetidas a diferentes tempos de estocagem. Os materiais utilizados foram o trigo (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), cevada (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), aveia branca (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), aveia preta (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) e triticale (X Triticosecale cv. IPR 11), em três tempos de estocagem: 60, 120 e 180 dias. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5x3. Na avaliação nutricional, a silagem de cevada apresentou baixos teores de fibra em detergente ácido (FDA; 331; 355 e 378 g kg MS-1, para 60, 120 e 180 dias, respectivamente) e altos de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT; 558; 544 e 531 g kg MS-1 para 60, 120 e 180 dias, respectivamente), além de alta recuperação de MS e estabilidade aeróbia. O trigo e o triticale apresentaram decréscimo na recuperação de MS com o aumento dos dias de estocagem, embora tenham apresentado alta estabilidade aeróbia. O tempo de estocagem influenciou de maneira distinta as forrageiras, no entanto, tempos de estocagem acima de 60 dias não proporcionaram benefícios para as variáveis avaliadas.(AU)

High moisture corn silage with added soybeans grains: aerobic stability, ruminal disappearance and performance of dairy cows / Silagem de grãos de milho, com adição de soja: estabilidade aeróbia e desempenho de vacas leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using microbial additive and urea on in vitro digestibility, in ruminal disappearance, and aerobic stability of moisture corn silage with the addition of raw soybeans. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments (moisture corn grain silage + 20% of raw soybeans, moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + microbial inoculant and moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + 1.4% of urea) and four replications. Silages showed good aerobic stability, within the period of 96 hours, with few losses of dry matter and no consistent variations in the chemical composition. The Urea addition decreased the rate of ruminal degradation of the moisture corn silage with the addition of soybean. A second trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement of commercial concentrate by moisture corn silage with the addition of 20% of crude soybean, 20 dairy cows were used and arranged in a completely randomized design with two treatments and ten replicates. It was found that the moisture corn silage with added soybeans can be used in diets for lactating cows, in replacement of the commercial concentrate, with no impact on the production and chemical composition of the milk, maintaining production levels.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do uso de aditivo microbiano e de uréia na composição química, digestibilidade in vitro, no desaparecimento ruminal, e na estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja crua. Um segundo ensaio foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a substituição do concentrado comercial por silagem de grãos de milho com adição de 20% de soja crua na produção e composição do leite de vacas holandesas. Para a avaliação das silagens foram feitos mini silos de pvc arranjados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua; silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + inoculante microbiano e silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + 1,4% de ureia) e quatro repetições. As silagens apresentaram-se estáveis no período de 96 horas, com perdas de matéria seca de 3,55, 3,32 e 4,39 para silagens sem aditivos, com a adição de inoculante microbiano e com uréia respectivamente. A adição de uréia diminuiu a taxa de degradação ruminal das silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja. Para a avaliação da produção e composição do leite foram utilizadas 20 vacas leiteiras arranjadas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e dez repetições.

Silagem de grãos de milho, com adição de soja: estabilidade aeróbia e desempenho de vacas leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using microbial additive and urea on in vitro digestibility, in ruminal disappearance, and aerobic stability of moisture corn silage with the addition of raw soybeans. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments (moisture corn grain silage + 20% of raw soybeans, moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + microbial inoculant and moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + 1.4% of urea) and four replications. Silages showed good aerobic stability, within the period of 96 hours, with few losses of dry matter and no consistent variations in the chemical composition. The Urea addition decreased the rate of ruminal degradation of the moisture corn silage with the addition of soybean. A second trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement of commercial concentrate by moisture corn silage with the addition of 20% of crude soybean, 20 dairy cows were used and arranged in a completely randomized design with two treatments and ten replicates. It was found that the moisture corn silage with added soybeans can be used in diets for lactating cows, in replacement of the commercial concentrate, with no impact on the production and chemical composition of the milk, maintaining production levels.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do uso de aditivo microbiano e de uréia na composição química, digestibilidade in vitro, no desaparecimento ruminal, e na estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja crua. Um segundo ensaio foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a substituição do concentrado comercial por silagem de grãos de milho com adição de 20% de soja crua na produção e composição do leite de vacas holandesas. Para a avaliação das silagens foram feitos mini silos de pvc arranjados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua; silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + inoculante microbiano e silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + 1,4% de ureia) e quatro repetições. As silagens apresentaram-se estáveis no período de 96 horas, com perdas de matéria seca de 3,55, 3,32 e 4,39 para silagens sem aditivos, com a adição de inoculante microbiano e com uréia respectivamente. A adição de uréia diminuiu a taxa de degradação ruminal das silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja. Para a avaliação da produção e composição do leite foram utilizadas 20 vacas leiteiras arranjadas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e dez repetições. Verificouse que a silagem de grãos de milho com adição de grãos de soja pode ser usada na alimentação de vacas em lactação sem impacto sobre a produção e composição química do leite, mantendo os níveis de produção.

High moisture corn silage with added soybeans grains: aerobic stability, ruminal disappearance and performance of dairy cows / Silagem de grãos de milho, com adição de soja: estabilidade aeróbia e desempenho de vacas leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using microbial additive and urea on in vitro digestibility, in ruminal disappearance, and aerobic stability of moisture corn silage with the addition of raw soybeans. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments (moisture corn grain silage + 20% of raw soybeans, moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + microbial inoculant and moisture corn silage + 20% of raw soybean + 1.4% of urea) and four replications. Silages showed good aerobic stability, within the period of 96 hours, with few losses of dry matter and no consistent variations in the chemical composition. The Urea addition decreased the rate of ruminal degradation of the moisture corn silage with the addition of soybean. A second trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement of commercial concentrate by moisture corn silage with the addition of 20% of crude soybean, 20 dairy cows were used and arranged in a completely randomized design with two treatments and ten replicates. It was found that the moisture corn silage with added soybeans can be used in diets for lactating cows, in replacement of the commercial concentrate, with no impact on the production and chemical composition of the milk, maintaining production levels.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do uso de aditivo microbiano e de uréia na composição química, digestibilidade in vitro, no desaparecimento ruminal, e na estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja crua. Um segundo ensaio foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a substituição do concentrado comercial por silagem de grãos de milho com adição de 20% de soja crua na produção e composição do leite de vacas holandesas. Para a avaliação das silagens foram feitos mini silos de pvc arranjados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua; silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + inoculante microbiano e silagem de grãos úmidos de milho + 20% de soja crua + 1,4% de ureia) e quatro repetições. As silagens apresentaram-se estáveis no período de 96 horas, com perdas de matéria seca de 3,55, 3,32 e 4,39 para silagens sem aditivos, com a adição de inoculante microbiano e com uréia respectivamente. A adição de uréia diminuiu a taxa de degradação ruminal das silagens de grãos úmidos de milho com adição de soja. Para a avaliação da produção e composição do leite foram utilizadas 20 vacas leiteiras arranjadas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e dez repetições.(AU)

Effects of inoculantes use in forage silages on protein and fiber levels, nutrients digestibility, pH, fermentation and aerobic stability / Efeitos da utilização de inoculantes em silagens de forrageiras sobre os teores de proteína e fibra, digestibilidade dos nutrientes, pH, fermentação e estabilidade aeróbia

Forage silage is the main form of voluminous food storage in the world. The ensiling makes possible the palatable food supply during the whole year, mainly in the drought period. During the ensiling process, the green forage inside of the silo suffers many transformations until the complete stabilization of the mass, acquiring the silage characteristics. With the objective of improving the fermentation process, some farmers have been using inoculants. However, the use of these inoculants, without evaluation of silage nutritional quality can increase the material cost. Besides, a big importance has been spared to the silage preservation process and your aerobics stability, mainly during the period of your use. Several works showing controversial results were found, in the literature, although some researches have shown beneficial effects of inoculants use on silage preservation and quality. It can be concluded that the inoculants use should not be considered as substitute of ensiling appropriate handling, such as: crop, compactation, storage and closure. In silages appropriately prepared, the inoculants use presents little or any benefit on silage preservation and quality.

A silagem de forrageiras é a principal forma de armazenamento de alimento volumoso no mundo. A ensilagem possibilita o fornecimento de alimento palatável durante todo o ano, principalmente no período de seca. Durante o processo de ensilagem, a forragem verde colocada no silo sofre transformação até a estabilização completa da massa, adquirindo as características de silagem. No intuito de melhorar o processo de fermentação, têm-se utilizado alguns inoculantes. Porém, a utilização destes, sem avaliação da qualidade nutricional da silagem pode aumentar o custo do material ensilado. Além disso, importância crescente tem sido dispensada ao processo de preservação das silagens e a sua estabilidade aeróbia, sobretudo durante o período de sua utilização. Embora algumas pesquisas mostrem efeitos benéficos da sua utilização sobre a preservação e a qualidade da silagem, foram encontrados, na literatura, vários trabalhos que mostram resultados controversos. Conclui-se que a utilização de inoculantes não deve ser considerada como substituto de manejo adequado de ensilagem, como: colheita, compactação, armazenamento e vedação. Em silagens adequadamente preparadas, a utilização de inoculantes apresenta pouco ou nenhum benefício sobre a preservação e a qualidade da silagem.

Effects of inoculantes use in forage silages on protein and fiber levels, nutrients digestibility, pH, fermentation and aerobic stability / Efeitos da utilização de inoculantes em silagens de forrageiras sobre os teores de proteína e fibra, digestibilidade dos nutrientes, pH, fermentação e estabilidade aeróbia

Forage silage is the main form of voluminous food storage in the world. The ensiling makes possible the palatable food supply during the whole year, mainly in the drought period. During the ensiling process, the green forage inside of the silo suffers many transformations until the complete stabilization of the mass, acquiring the silage characteristics. With the objective of improving the fermentation process, some farmers have been using inoculants. However, the use of these inoculants, without evaluation of silage nutritional quality can increase the material cost. Besides, a big importance has been spared to the silage preservation process and your aerobics stability, mainly during the period of your use. Several works showing controversial results were found, in the literature, although some researches have shown beneficial effects of inoculants use on silage preservation and quality. It can be concluded that the inoculants use should not be considered as substitute of ensiling appropriate handling, such as: crop, compactation, storage and closure. In silages appropriately prepared, the inoculants use presents little or any benefit on silage preservation and quality.

A silagem de forrageiras é a principal forma de armazenamento de alimento volumoso no mundo. A ensilagem possibilita o fornecimento de alimento palatável durante todo o ano, principalmente no período de seca. Durante o processo de ensilagem, a forragem verde colocada no silo sofre transformação até a estabilização completa da massa, adquirindo as características de silagem. No intuito de melhorar o processo de fermentação, têm-se utilizado alguns inoculantes. Porém, a utilização destes, sem avaliação da qualidade nutricional da silagem pode aumentar o custo do material ensilado. Além disso, importância crescente tem sido dispensada ao processo de preservação das silagens e a sua estabilidade aeróbia, sobretudo durante o período de sua utilização. Embora algumas pesquisas mostrem efeitos benéficos da sua utilização sobre a preservação e a qualidade da silagem, foram encontrados, na literatura, vários trabalhos que mostram resultados controversos. Conclui-se que a utilização de inoculantes não deve ser considerada como substituto de manejo adequado de ensilagem, como: colheita, compactação, armazenamento e vedação. Em silagens adequadamente preparadas, a utilização de inoculantes apresenta pouco ou nenhum benefício sobre a preservação e a qualidade da silagem.