Preparation of sugarcane top silage by different additives and evaluation of its nutritional value by in vitro methods

The objective of this study was to investigate the suitable method for preparing sugarcane top (SCT) silage and evaluation the nutritive value of prepared silage by using in vitro methods in ruminant. The treatments were mixture of urea+molasses (1, 3 % DM, respectively) on two levels 0 and 1+3, sulfuric acid on three levels 0, 0.9 and 1.8 % DM that arranged in a 2×3 factorial design. The sugar cane top were mixed (DM basis) by additives and ensiled in polyethylene bags. Content of CPof SCT ensiled with urea+molasses and sulfuric acid increased (P<0.05). All additives significantly decreased pH of silage (P<0.05). The acid caused to increase NDF (P<0.05) and dry matter digestibility (P>0.05). Adding of sulphuric acid increased gas production linearly (P<0.05). All additives used in this experiment improved nutritive value of SCT silage, and made possible of long preservation. However, if pH decreases to lower than 4, silage quality remains the same as initial forage for a longer keeping time.