The Effect of a Formic Acid-Based Preservative on Structural Carbohydrates and Nutritive Value of Low Dry Matter Sweet Sorghum Silages

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a formic acid-based preservative (FAP) on the structural carbohydrates and nutritive value of low dry matter sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silages. Sorghum was harvested at the flowering stage of maturity (23.0±0.69% dry matter). The FAP (KemiSile® 2000, Kemira Oyj-Industrial Chemicals, Finland) was applied to approximately 2 cm chopped fresh material at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 ml/kg levels, respectively and ensiled in 1.5 liter anaerobic jars (Le Parfait, France) equipped with a lid that enabled gas release only. The jars were stored at 24±2 ºC under laboratory conditions. All jars were opened at the end of the ensiling period (90 days) and sampled for analysis. As a result, the FAP treatment reduced structural carbohydrates such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose contents; however, they increased residual water soluble carbohydrates of silages (P < 0.05). Due to the reduction in structural carbohydrates, the application of FAP increased in situ dry and organic matter degradability of silages (P < 0.05). Most effective level of FAP on sorghum silage was found as 4.0 ml/kg.

Efeitos da adição de ácidos orgânicos na dieta completa e frequência de alimentação sobre o desempenho produtivo de vacas em lactação

“…Atuam principalmente sobre alimentos fermentados, protegendo os alimentos contra a multiplicação microbiana e fúngica, o que justifica seu uso como aditivo para os alimentos assim como para silagens (HAQUE et al, 2009 (HUISDEN et al, 2009;SUCU et al, 2011).…”