Nutrient Content of Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Silage Made with Various Additive and Modified Atmosphere in The Silo

Abstract. During ensilage, anaerob condition must be controlled. Some methods of modified atmosphere in silo were analyzed to compare ensilage characteristics and silage product. So far, there is not been information on the atmosphere condition in the process of silage production. It encourages the researchers to evaluate the condition of ensilage process of Pennisetum purpureum by studying atmosphere modification in the silo and the effect of the usage of various additives in the process of silage production. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), molasses, L. acidophillus were used. The study was conducted with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 3x2 factorial pattern. Atmosphere modification as the first factor consist of: (A0: silage with compaction (conventional) A1: silage with vacuum method, A2: silage with modified C02) and two kinds of silage additives as the second factor (B1: indirect additive (molasses); B2: direct additive (Lactic Acid Bacteria). Each treatment combination was repeated 4 times. The objective of the research was to evaluate changes in nutrient content (protein, crude fiber, gross energy). The data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance, then continued by Honest Significant Differences (HSD) test. Based on the research results it can be concluded that the optimum ensilage can take place, either by compaction methods (conventional), vacuum and the addition of CO2. While the addition of molasses additive produces silage with better quality than the addition of L. Acidophillus inoculant