Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Ensiling of forages is a common practice in temperate areas, but is not used extensively in tropical countries. Preservation of excess forage during rainy seasons would provide a more even distribution of feed during the year. Experiments were conducted to investigate fermentation characteristics, and digestibility and palatability of Guinea-'A' (Panicum maximum, ecotype A) silage by sheep. Guinea-'A' grass was harvested after 2- and 3-week growth periods, and ensiled chopped or unchopped in 210 liter metal drums, double lined with polyethylene. Cutting grass at 2 weeks decreased pH and increased lactic acid of silage, compared to cutting at 3 weeks. Chopping decreased the pH and increased lactic and acetic acid of silage. All silages contained more acetic than lactic acid. In digestion trials, animals averaging 20 kg initially were used, and feces were collected by means of light harness and canvas bag. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were higher for 2-week than 3-week growth. Chopping the grass before ensiling increased the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose by sheep. Growth stage did not significantly affect DM intake by sheep. Chopping increased DM intake by 17%. The effect of chopping on silage intake by sheep may be associated with better fermentation of the chopped forage.
Citation
Panditharatne, S; Fontenot, J P.; Allen, V G.; and Jayasuriya, M.C N., "Effect of Stage Growth and Chopping Length on Ensiling Characteristics, Digestibility and Palatability of Guinea-'A'" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 24.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses9/24)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effect of Stage Growth and Chopping Length on Ensiling Characteristics, Digestibility and Palatability of Guinea-'A'
Kyoto Japan
Ensiling of forages is a common practice in temperate areas, but is not used extensively in tropical countries. Preservation of excess forage during rainy seasons would provide a more even distribution of feed during the year. Experiments were conducted to investigate fermentation characteristics, and digestibility and palatability of Guinea-'A' (Panicum maximum, ecotype A) silage by sheep. Guinea-'A' grass was harvested after 2- and 3-week growth periods, and ensiled chopped or unchopped in 210 liter metal drums, double lined with polyethylene. Cutting grass at 2 weeks decreased pH and increased lactic acid of silage, compared to cutting at 3 weeks. Chopping decreased the pH and increased lactic and acetic acid of silage. All silages contained more acetic than lactic acid. In digestion trials, animals averaging 20 kg initially were used, and feces were collected by means of light harness and canvas bag. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were higher for 2-week than 3-week growth. Chopping the grass before ensiling increased the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose by sheep. Growth stage did not significantly affect DM intake by sheep. Chopping increased DM intake by 17%. The effect of chopping on silage intake by sheep may be associated with better fermentation of the chopped forage.
