The research aimed to evaluate the use of additives on the nutritional value of the sugarcane silage. Treatments were expressed by additive type and amount added to the sugarcane silage at ensiling (fresh matter basis), as follows: urea 1.5%; urea 0.5% and corn meal 4%; urea 0.5% and dehydrated cassava 4%; starea 1.5%; sugar cane only. Sugarcane variety RB-72454, at 18 months of regrowth was stored for 180 days in experimental concrete silos (500 kg capacity). An in vivo digestibility trial was carried out using a complete randomized block design. Five sheeps with an average weight of 36.5 kg were housed in individual metabolic cages simultaneously to silage unloading. Data from four crop periods were used to form the blocks. Voluntary intake of the DM, CP, NDF, TDN, and digestibility of DM, NDF, NFC, CP and N retention were evaluated. In general, silage additives increased nutritional value showing higher intake and better CP digestibility.
digestibility; intake; sheep
