MANAGEMENT BY CUTTING OF SUGAR CANE (Saccharum spp.) FOR FODDER PRODUCTION AS ENSILAGE

Abstract

This study explored the technical viability of elaborating ensilage from sugar cane (^Saccharum spp.) regrowth biomass, compacted into bundles and placed in hermetically sealed bags to provoke anaerobic fermentation. The sugar cane regrowth was cut at a development age of three months since harvest, with a range of dry matter from 15 % to 20 %, with which 360X460X900 mm bundles were made, with compaction density of 100-128 kg m^3-1. The bundles were placed in plastic bags, sealed and stored under a roof, and the temperature inside was measured every 10 days for two months. The internal temperature of the bundles increased from 30 °C at the beginning, to 35 °C, to drop to a minimum of 29 °C in the middle of the period and increase again and remain at 35 °C until their opening. After storage, all the bundles experienced satisfactory fermentation, attaining with this adequate ensilage.