Ensiling characteristics of silages of Stylo legume (Stylosanthes guianensis), Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and their mixture, treated with fermented juice of lactic bacteria, and feed intake and digestibility in goats of rations based on these silages

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling characteristics of silages prepared from Guinea grass, Stylo legume or Stylo legume mixed with Guinea grass (50:50 w/w). Guinea grass and Stylo legume were harvested 45 and 60 days after regrowth, respectively and treated with a fermented juice of lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) prior to being ensiled. After 45 days, selected ensiling characteristics were determined. The nutritive value of rations based on the experimental silages was evaluated using six male, rumen cannulated crossbred Anglo Nubian × Native goats in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design study. Concentrate was provided at 0.9% body weight and experimental silages ad libitum. Apparent fecal macronutrient digestibility was determined. The pH values, NH3-N and lactic acid contents were not different between the silages but greater contents (P < 0.05) of acetic and butyric acid were found in the silage prepared from Guinea grass. Voluntary silage intake was similar for the three silages. Digestibility of dry and organic matter did not differ between treatments. However, the digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was greater (P < 0.05) when the rations contained silage from Stylo legume instead of Guinea grass. In conclusion, the process of fermentation of silages is similar for Stylo legume and Guinea grass. The feeding of rations based on silage from Stylo legume versus Guinea grass can enhance animal production due to its higher nutritive value.