Silagem de capim-elefante com casca de banana

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the fermentation quality and chemical composition of elephant grass silage with different banana peel content. It was used a completely randomized design with 5 levels of banana bark inclusion (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% in the fed basis) and control (exclusive silage elephant grass), each treatment with three replications. The material was packaged in PVC silos with dimensions of 50 cm height and 10 cm in diameter, which were opened after 60 days of fermentation. After opening the silos were performed weighing to determine the loss by quantification of effluent production and losses by gases. The juice was extracted with the aid of a hydraulic press for ammonia analysis and pH. Samples were collected for analysis of water activity and chemical composition. With the inclusion of bark was observed linear increase in dry matter, ether extract, lignin, CIDN, CIDA, PIDN, PIDA and NDT. Moreover, there was a reduction in levels NDFap, FDA, hemicellulose and cellulose (% DM). For all levels it was not observed difference between the variables pH, MM, MOe PB (% DM). Lower ammonia nitrogen content was observed when added 25% banana peels. Smaller losses estimated by effluent and gas were observed when added 25% peel silage, and lower content of water activity. Considering the experimental conditions, the inclusion of banana peel dehydrated silage of elephant grass reduces losses of the fermentation process and improves the nutritive value of the ensiled material, with more consistent results from 10% inclusion.