Fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage with Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass

Abstract

Ensiling sorghum with tropical forages has been shown to be a promising alternative for ruminant feed production, as this approach improves the quality of the sorghum silage. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage made with different levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized 2 x 6 factorial design with four replications. Two forages (Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass) were added to sorghum at six levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), for a total of 48 experimental silos. After 50 days of fermentation, the silos were opened, and the fermentation profile and chemical composition of the silage were analysed. The results showed that the addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the pH, buffering capacity and NH3-NT of the silage and reduced its dry matter content but did not affect its fermentation characteristics, which remained within an appropriate range. The addition of increasing levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the silage and decreased the fibre fraction (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin) and ether extract contents. Adding tropical forages to sorghum silage material at levels above 40% is recommended. Among forage crops, addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass to sorghum silage resulted in higher content of crude protein and IVDMD. Mixed silages can be an effective alternative to improve the quality of forage sorghum silage.

Silages of sorghum, Tamani guinea grass, and Stylosanthes in an integrated system: production and quality

“…After forage regrowth, the established pasture can be utilized by animals (Oliveira et al, 2020), facilitating the sustainable intensification of the production system (Herrera et al, 2023). The higher ether extract content observed in monocropped sorghum silage is attributed to the higher fat content in sorghum grains (Oliveira et al, 2021). These findings further support the observations of Bueno et al (2020), who reported that wellpreserved silages exhibit similar ether extract levels to those found in the original ensiled material.…”

“…However, monocropped sorghum silage had the highest lignin content (Figure 6C). This can be attributed to the higher proportion of stalks in the crop, which is responsible for higher lignin accumulation (Oliveira et al, 2021).…”

Nitrogen Fertilization of Paiaguás Grass: Production and Nutrition

“…The higher concentration of N occurring in the dry period (4th growth) suggests an adaptation of Paiaguás grass to be used for animal feeding during this critical production time. Oliveira et al (2021) studied Paiaguás palisade grass and reported an N content of 24.83 g kg -1 in cropped grass that previously had silage implanted in a crop-livestock system. The grassland was fertilized with 36 kg ha -1 N for 30 d after sprouting.…”

Conversion sweet sorghum biomass to produce value-added products

“…In another work, addition of Lactobacillus plantarum HY1 and Pediococcus acidilactici HY2 also significantly improved fermentation quality of sweet sorghum silage [ 53 ]. Ensiling sweet sorghum with Paiaguas palisadegrass also resulted in a promising silage quality with high crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility [ 100 ]. Ensiling sweet sorghum and korshinsk pea shrub at a ratio of 80:20 showed excellent nutrient supply for subsequent ruminant production [ 101 ].…”