The objective of this study was to evaluate different inclusion levels (0, 20, 40 and 60%) of old man saltbush in the fermentation dynamics of sugarcane silages. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replicates. After 90 days, with the opening of the silos, the levels of water soluble carbohydrates, ethanol, organic acids (lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric acid), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber ash free (NDFa), pH and buffer capacity were determined; and, the losses by gas, effluent and total of dry mater, density and dry matter recovery were estimated. Increasing levels of saltbush propitiated reduction in losses: by effluent and total dry matter, it also increased the concentration and recovery. The silages showed pH suitable for conservation (≤3.70) and mineral concentration increased. The ethanol concentrations were influenced (P<0.05) by the increase of saltbush, where reduction of 51.84% was observed, with 40% saltbush in sugarcane silage. The addition of saltbush reduces dry matter losses and ethanol production and, improves the quality of sugarcane silage.
Atriplex nummularia; forage conservation; alcoholic fermentation
