Sorghum inclusion and microbial inoculation in millet silage (Pennisetum americanum)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of millet silage produced with additives by evaluating pH, chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The treatments consisted of millet with or without sorghum grains and with or without microbial inoculant in a factorial scheme (2x2). Dry matter content, crude protein content and IVDMD increased with sorghum inclusion. The pH of silage containing sorghum and microbial inoculant was lower than that of control millet silage. Acid detergent insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent fiber content were lower in silage containing sorghum. Microbial inoculation did not influence dry matter (23.76%) or IVDMD (48.9%). There was an interaction between sorghum inclusion and microbial inoculant for neutral detergent fiber. The addition of sorghum grain and microbial inoculant improves silage characteristics as a result of better preservation. The use of microbial inoculant reduces pH, inhibiting undesirable fermentation and increasing crude protein content.

Keywords

• composição química
• DIVMS
• inoculante microbiano
• parâmetros fermentativos
• pH.