In vitro evaluation of quality silage from commonly growing grasses for dry season carabao system
1987
Corpuz, F.R.
In vitro evaluation of five common grass species was conducted to determine its potential feeding values as silage for supplemental feeding during dry season. These were subjected to ensiling treatments involving three levels of molasses (0, 15 and 30%) and three ensiling durations (35, 75 and 110 days) with 3 replicates per treatment arranged in a 5 x 3 x 3 factorial experiment in completely randomized design. Paragrass and napier grass excelled all other grass species with respect to desired pH (4.0). However, good quality silage was produced from all the forage species when these were ensiled for 110 days in either 0 or 15% molasses resulting to high population of lactic acid bacteria and optimum pH level. Comparatively smaller losses in crude protein and crude fiber were noted in themeda and paragrass. Marked increase was observed in crude fat and NFE [Nitrogen Free Extract] in cogon, themeda and paragrass due to microbial synthesis of these nutrient during ensiling at longer periods. In vitro digestibility significantly increased in cogon, themeda, and napier grass, suggesting marked changes in fiber content. This was due to increased microbial action in these species during prolonged ensiling.
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