RESÍDUO DA MOAGEM DE MILHO NA ENSILAGEM DA CULTIVAR BRS CAPIAÇU CORN MILLING RESIDUE IN THE ENSILING OF THE BRS CAPIAÇU

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The preservation of forages resources for times of scarcity is of interest and importance to livestock farmers who aim to prevent weight loss. Thus, an evaluation was conducted on a family-owned property in the municipality of Nova Brasilândia D'Oeste, Rondônia, aiming to utilize the leftover corn grinding (cornmeal) as an addition to Capiaçu silage. The producer allowed the study to be conducted without any additional cost in relation to the property management. The productivity of the forage, which is typically cut at a height of 2.10 meters, was estimated. It was then passed through an electric processor to reduce particle size and offered to the animals (dairy cows). For every 2.5 kg of this material, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, and 20% of cornmeal were added, respectively. The mixture was packed in plastic bags, the air was expelled, and the bags were sealed for up to 45 days, with three repetitions, to allow the ensilage process to develop. After this period, a sample was sent to a specialized laboratory for bromatological data generation. It was observed that the fermentation process occurred through alcoholic fermentation, although the pH levels were within the appropriate range of 3.7 to 4.2 when the cornmeal additions were between 5.0% and 2.0%. The addition of this additive reduced moisture levels and increased dry matter content (from 36.99% to 46.07% DM). The average levels of crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus were 4.0%, 0.27%, and 0.12%, respectively, indicating the need for adjustments in the feeding management for ruminant nutrition.