The Effect of Pre-Condition and Water Soluble Carbohydrate Sources Addition on Napier Grass Silage Quality

Abstract

ABSTRACT A research to improve Napier silage quality through precondition and addition of several water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) sources prior to ensiling had been done. Bruising and wilting pre-condition were tested as pre-condition to chopped Napier grasses, while WSC sources like rice brand, cassava waste meal and KPSBU concentrate were examined as additives. Dry matter (OM) content of silage and pH were used to calculate Fleigh Value (NF), NHJ and VF A were determined to describe degradation of protein and organic matter. WSC was also measured to estimate the amount of substate available for LAB fermentation. The results showed that preconditions were necessary to produce high quality Napier grass silages. All WSC sources produced high quality Napier grass silages (NF > 80) with the highest NF was fOlmd in silage added with cassava waste meal. The amount of 20% additive is better than 30% (w/w fresh substances). Wilting without bruising resulted the highest NF but if the fresh Napier grass to be used, bruising was necessary.