Chemical characteristics effects in the tropical grasses ensiling process.

Silage is considered an important feed strategy for ruminants during the dry period in tropical regions, where C4 grasses are an alternative to corn and sorghum, due to its great productivity. However, buffering capacity, dry matter (DM) and water-soluble carbohydrates contents are important forage characteristics to assure great fermentation during the ensiling process. However, some of these forage characteristics are a challenge to be addressed in the ensiling process of the tropical grasses, which may result in great losses during the fermentation process phases. Thus, some techniques can be used to improve the silage fermentation of tropical grasses, such as reduction on the plant water content through wilting or pre-drying, increasing the DM content and providing better conditions for the lactic acid bacteria growth. The chemical characteristics evaluation of the recently released tropical grass, such as Zuri [Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. BRS Zuri] and Capiaçu [Pennisetum purpureum Schum cv. BRS Capiaçu], are scarce, especially regarding its use for ensiling. Based on that, our objective was to evaluate the forage chemical composition of Zuri and Capiaçu grasses immediately after harvest (in natura forage) and after silo opening (silage)