Chemical components and degradability in situ of Marandu grass silages with increasing levels of babassu meal

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradability of Marandu grass silages with bran babassu. It adopted a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of babassu meal inclusion based on natural matter) with five repetitions. PVC silos were used, adopting compression pressure of 550 kg / m³. For the degradability test was used a half-breed sheep fistulated in the rumen, with completely randomized design with a split plot arrangement, silages represent parcels and incubation times (6, 24, 96 and 120 hours) the subplots. The pH increases by including babassu meal, there was a linear effect (P < 0.05) on dry matter content due to the addition of the byproduct. Quadratic effect on the crude protein content, with the maximum value obtained with the inclusion of 17.16% bran. Fiber neutral detergent, acid detergent fiber and pulp decreased with increasing addition of bran. The lignin and hemicellulose were not affected by the use of the additive. The dry matter disappearance increased with the incubation time. The soluble fraction and the maximum potential degradation were observed in silages with addition of 20%. The babassu meal behaved like great absorbing moisture, increased protein and reduced fiber consequently raised the potential for degradation of silages.