Protein and carbohydrate fractionation of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals

ABSTRACT

This study determined the fractionation of protein and carbohydrate of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals. The experiment was developed at the Federal Institute of Goiás State, Rio Verde Campus, using a completely randomized design with four replications, in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement, being four energetic meals (millet, corn, sorghum and wheat) and five levels of addition (0, 8, 16, 24 and 32%). The meals were obtained by grinding the grains, where the levels of addition were calculated based on natural material. The results indicated that the energetic meals represented good sources of additives for ensiling Piata palisadegrass, for considerably improving protein and carbohydrate fractions. However, among the meals used, the sorghum was less efficient by presenting a lower protein fraction (A) and higher fraction C, compared with other additives. The meals of wheat and sorghum showed higher contents of carbohydrate fractions (A+B1 and C). It is recommended the level of addition of 24% of meals, for providing better nutritional value to silage.