Bromatological composition of late-harvest sugarcane silage with and without microbial inoculation

Abstract

Forage conservation is a highly valuable strategy to mitigate forage seasonality or even to optimize the utilization of certain plants. In this context, a study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and aerobic stability of over-mature (bisada) sugarcane silage (harvested after the regular period), with and without the addition of a microbial inoculant. The experiment utilized third-year sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), variety RB867515, harvested and ensiled in hermetically sealed experimental silos (buckets), with and without an inoculant composed of homo- and heterolactic bacterial strains. After 102 days of fermentation, chemical-bromatological analyses were performed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The results demonstrated that the inoculated silage showed a lower dry matter content, but a higher percentage of non-fibrous carbohydrates and an improved energy profile, particularly regarding metabolizable energy and net energy. However, no significant differences were observed in protein and lignin contents. Inoculation proved to be efficient in improving the nutritional quality and aerobic stability of the silage, representing a promising alternative for production systems that utilize over-mature sugarcane as conserved roughage.