The present trial aimed to evaluate the effects of wilting (wet vs. wilted), particle size reduction (small vs. large) and the addition of fibrolytic enzymes (alone vs. combined with Lactobacillus plantarum) on the chemical composition and effluent yield of Tanzaniagrass silages (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania). The forage was harvested and cut at 45-day vegetative re-growth period and stored in the experimental plastic silos (50 L) during 136 days. During the storage period, the effluent flow was collected and measured at days 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, 60, 90 and 136. The addition of fibrolytic enzymes exclusively or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum led to decreased contents of NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose, mainly on wilted silages; however, no benefit was observed in the in vitro DM digestibility. Even though particles sizes were different, the range observed was not wide enough to show significant differences either on chemical composition or effluent yield in silages. The effluent yield was higher (250L/t ensiled forage) for the wet silages and sporadical for the wilted silages. The addition of fibrolytic enzymes exclusively or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum did not increase the effluent losses. Mean values for BOD (11, 289 mg/L), COD (36, 279 mg/L) and COD/BOD ratio (3.35) were observed on the effluent of wet silages. Wet silages resulted in higher of pollution to the environment.
conservation; ensilage; enzymes; losses; tropical grass
