 | Abstract 25Silages from tropical forages.Ojeda,-F; Caceres,-O; Luis,-L; Esperance,-M; Santana,-H Estacion Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, Cuba. Paturages et alimentation des ruminants en zone tropicale humide. 1989, 31-44; 43 ref., presented at 1st symposium on ruminant nutrition in tropical conditions, Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 2-6 June 1987. Paris, France; INRA. Silage making using tropical forages is reviewed with reference to research on Digitaria decumbens, Cynodon dactylon, Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana, Pennisetum purpureum, P. purpureum X P. americanum and Sorghum sudanense. Silage quality is generally poor due to the rapid loss of carbohydrates and high lignification in the regrowth. High ambient temp. also causes undesirable fermentations by clostridia and yeasts. This can be overcome with silage additives such as formic acid. Wilting, chopping and additives improved silage DM content and fermentation quality, resulting in improved intake and digestibility. The most critical nutrient was N content and its retention. This abstract relates to the following species:
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