Two trials were performed to evaluate the nutritive value and aerobic stability of sugar cane silage, as well as apparent digestibility of diets containing these silages. In trial 1, sugar cane was ensiled without additive or inoculated with strains NCIMB 40788 of Lactobacillus buchneri (5 x 10(4) cfu/g wet basis). Silages were sampled, analyzed, and compared with fresh sugar cane. Aerobic stability was evaluated by controlling the temperature, pH, and dry matter losses of the silages. In trial 2, twelve lambs were assigned to a complete randomized block design and placed in metabolism crates and fed with diets composed by fresh sugar cane, sugar cane silage without additive, or sugar cane silage treated with Lactobacillus buchneri. Dry matter, soluble carbohydrates, and acetic acid concentrations were higher for silage treated with Lactobacillus buchneri when compared with silage without additive. There was no difference on ethanol levels between silages. Sugar cane silage treated with Lactobacillus buchneri showed lower dry matter losses, unchanged pH, and greater aerobic stability. Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose apparent digestibility were higher for sugar cane silage treatments.
acetic acid; apparent digestibility; chemical composition; ethanol; heterofermentative bacteria
