Inclusion of discarded banana in sugarcane silage decreases dry matter losses and improves its nutritional value

Abstract Background: Sugarcane silage (SCS) has often been characterized by large dry matter (DM) losses associated with reduction in soluble nutrients and increase in indigestible fiber. Objective: To evaluate the effect of including discarded fruits on the losses and nutritional value in SCS. Methods: A completely randomized design was used with five treatments and five replications. Silages were added with 15% (as-fed basis) papaya (Carica papaya) (SP), acerola (Malpighia glabra) (SA), banana (Musa sp.) (SB) or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (ST). The control treatment was composed only of SCS. Twenty-five (25-L) plastic buckets were used to make the experimental silos, which were opened on the 90th day after their closure. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Results: Gas losses and total DM losses were lower and DM recovery was higher in SB and SA than in the control (p0.05). However, there was treatment effect for lactic and acetic acids, ammonia nitrogen contents, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and mold counts (p0,05). Contudo, houve efeito de tratamento para os conteúdos de ácidos lático e acético, e nitrogênio amoniacal e contagens de bactérias láticas, e leveduras e fungos (p0,05). Sin embargo, hubo efecto de tratamiento para los contenidos de ácidos láctico y acético, y nitrógeno amoniacal y recuento de bacterias ácido lácticas, levaduras y hongos (p