Author(s): SANTOS, F. N. S.; SANTOS, E. M.; OLIVEIRA, J. S.; MEDEIROS, G. R.; ZANINE, A. M.; ARAUJO, G. G. L. de; PERAZZO, A. F.; LEMOS, M. L. P.; PEREIRA, D. M.; CRUZ, G. F. L.; PAULINO, R. S.; OLIVEIRA, C. J. B.

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cactus (Opuntia spp) levels in total mixed ration silages based on Cactus and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud) on the fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability and taxonomic diversity. The completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 4 factorial design with four replications, being four rations with different levels of Cactus (15, 30, 45, 60% based on the dry matter) and four opening periods (0, 15, 30 and 60 days of fermentation). An interaction effect (P < 0.050) was observed among the diets and opening times for mould and yeast populations. An interaction effect for the levels of acetic acid was observed, where the diets 15, 30, 45 and 60% showed higher values at 60 days (0.44, 0.41, 0.35 and 0.40 g/kg DM, respectively). A significant difference was observed for the richness and diversity index (Chao1 and Shannon). The most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and the genera Lactobacillus and Weissella. Cactus can be added in total mixed ration silages up to the level of 60% in a way that it positively affects the qualitative indicators of the silages, modulating the taxonomic communities and allowing the predominance of important groups for preservation of the ensiled mass.

Publication year: 2020

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Semi-arid Region

Keywords: Alimentação Na Seca, Cactus Ficus Indica, Diversidade taxonômica, Estabilidade aeróbica, Fermentação Aeróbica, Gliricidia, Gliricidia sepium, Lactic acid, Lactic acid bacteria, Ruminant nutrition, Ruminante, Silagem, Silagens de ração mista, Sistema de Alimentação, Small ruminants