The ideal regrowth age of forage plants and the use of fermentation stimulants additives may improve the fermentative characteristics and nutritive value of tropical grass silages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regrowth ages and the use of powdered molasses on nutritional characteristics of Zuri grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silages. A completely randomized design was used, in a 3x3 factorial scheme: three regrowth ages (65, 80, and 95 days) and three inclusion levels of powdered molasses of sugarcane (0, 20, and 40 g), with four replications. The chemical composition, fermentation parameters, in vitro digestibility, and in vitro degradation kinetics of the silages were evaluated. Greater DM contents were observed in silages with 95 days with 40 g of molasses. The 65 days of regrowth silages with 40 g of molasses had greater IVDMD compare to others treatments. However, lower pH values, N-NH3, DM losses, gas losses, and density were observed in silages with 95 days of regrowth with 40 g of molasses. It is recommended to cut the Zuri grass in the range of 80 to 95 days of regrowth with the addition of 40g/kg of molasses in powders for the production of silages.

No abstract

The ideal regrowth age of forage plants and the use of fermentation stimulants additives may improve the fermentative characteristics and nutritive value of tropical grass silages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regrowth ages and the use of powdered molasses on nutritional characteristics of Zuri grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silages. A completely randomized design was used, in a 3x3 factorial scheme: three regrowth ages (65, 80, and 95 days) and three inclusion levels of powdered molasses of sugarcane (0, 20, and 40 g), with four replications. The chemical composition, fermentation parameters, in vitro digestibility, and in vitro degradation kinetics of the silages were evaluated. Greater DM contents were observed in silages with 95 days with 40 g of molasses. The 65 days of regrowth silages with 40 g of molasses had greater IVDMD compare to others treatments. However, lower pH values, N-NH 3 , DM losses, gas losses, and density were observed in silages with 95 days of regrowth with 40 g of molasses. It is recommended to cut the Zuri grass in the range of 80 to 95 days of regrowth with the addition of 40g/kg of molasses in powders for the production of silages.