Sugar cane silage with protein synthesis. Combined effects of additives and density

Ground sugar cane silages were prepared with or without the inclusion of 1.1% urea, 5% minerals and 0.5% zeolite with densities of 300, 450 and 600 kg of sugar cane per cubic meter of the silo. A completely randomized design was used with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement and 3 replications. The silos were opened at 69, 70 and 71 days. Silages with lower densities (300 kg/m(3)) showed an unpleasant aspect and rotten odor and were rejected. Silages combining the additive with the highest density showed excellent organoleptic dualities and without scent of alcohol. These latter also showed the best quality and nutritive values in terms of pH (4.4), DIM (21.8%) N x 6.25 (10.2%) N-TCA (76.5%) total VFA (2.37%) and lactic acid (1.62%) which differed (P < 0.001) from the rest of the treatments. These indicators reduced with decreasing densities and no supplement was added. It is considered that the amount of sugar cane used in a silo according to its capacity is an exact indication of the quality of the silage if an adequate additive is used. These results demonstrate that when combining the best additives with different compactation densities, an adequate silage system with the good organoleptic quality and nutritive value can be obtained.