Effect of addition of faveira (Parkia platycephala) on the chemical composition of elephant grass silage (Pennisetum purpureum)

Abstract

The effect of the addition of faveira (Parkia platycephala) on pH and chemical composition in elephant grass silage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. var. Napier) was evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments: T1 = 100% elephant grass cv. Napier, T2 = 85% elephant grass cv. Napier + 15% of faveira, T3 = 70% elephant grass Napier + 30% of faveira and T4 = 55% elephant grass Napier + 45% of faveira, with four replications. The whole plant of elephant grass, with 135 days old and 2.10 m tall was used. In the case of faveira, sample was collected  of the leaves and branches edible fraction (to the diameter of a pencil ) taken branches that were about 1.50 m of the soil for tree with approximately 14 years of age and about 10 m of height . The increasing levels of faveira in the elephant grass silage var. Napier reduced levels of ash and increased levels of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, variables that have a negative correlation with the consumption and digestibility. However, it also propitiated increases in pH and levels of crude protein and ether extract, partially improving silage quality.