Chemical composition of sugarcane silages with crambe bran

ABSTRACT We evaluated the contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), soluble carbohydrates (CHOS), ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in sugarcane silages to which different levels of inclusion (LI) of crambe bran (CB) were added in proportions of 0, 3, 10, 17 and 20% at different storage times (ST). Laboratory silos were used, predetermined ST being 0, 3, 7, 12, 24, 36, 41, and 60 days after silage. For statistical analysis, the response surface methodology was used, in which LI and ST served as independent factors and response variables as dependent factors. The levels of DM and CP increased linearly with NI; however, it did not show any significant response regarding ST. The CHOS contents were reduced linearly with NI and displayed a quadratic response with ST. The interaction between NI and ST for the levels of N-NH3 was significant, as the levels reduced with the NI and ST. The levels of NDF and ADF reduced linearly with NI and displayed a quadratic response with ST. The CB showed high efficacy to improve fermentation of ensiled cane, with the addition and conservation of nutrients in all NI evaluated and over the storage time. In addition to the residues generated with the production of biodiesel in a sustainable way, CB is a viable alternative to the sugarcane silage.