Ensilability of the tropical grass 'Splenda'

摘要

Irrigated C_4 photosynthesis grasses are more productive than C_3 grasses in Portuguese hot season, due to better use of nitrogen, water, high temperatures and solar radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ensiling characteristics and limiting factors of 'Splenda' (Setaria sphacelata var. sericea x S, sphacelata var. splendida). Irrigated 'Splenda' was harvested 10 weeks after the clearing cut when about 50 % of the plants had flowered. Part of the forage was wilted during 24 h. Fresh (FF) and wilted forage (WF), chopped (± 4 cm) with a manual guillotine, was sub-sampled for analysis. Additives were added before ensiling.