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Cellulase-Treated Coastal Bermudagrass Silage and Production of Soluble Carbohydrates, Silage Acids, and Digestibility

Russell Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30613

ABSTRACT

Chopped Coastal bermudagrass, low in water-soluble carbohydrate, was treated with a commercial cellulase before ensiling in laboratory silos. After 30 and 60 d, silage was removed and analyzed for residual water-soluble carbohydrates, silage acids, dry matter disappearance during fermentation, and digestibility. Residual water-soluble carbohydrate content was significantly higher in cellulase-treated silage when compared to untreated (control) silage. Silage acids, acetic and lactic, were significantly increased after 30 d. There was also an increase in acetic and lactic acids after 60 d; however, this was nonsignificant. Timed fermentation studies showed the greatest dry matter disappearance during the 12-h incubation; however, afterward the rate dropped rapidly. Digestibility showed a significant day by treatment effect for 30 and 60 d silage, but the increase was less for 60 (4%) than 30 d silage (7%).