Effect of storage method on fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and forage intake of tropical grasses ensiled in round bales.

The effect of storage method and length of the fermentation period were evaluated to determine fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and forage intake of native tropical grasses ensiled in round bales. Bales were stored under shade or under direct sunlight and sampled after seven periods of ensiling (0, 1, 4, 11, 25, 53, and 111 d). For the aerobic stability and nutritive value studies, three bales were opened from each storage method after 53 and 111 d, exposed to air, and fed to heifers for voluntary consumption. The storage method did not affect fermentation characteristics, however, during aerobic exposure, silage storage under shade resulted in less deterioration as evidenced by lower pH, temperature, and microbial populations. Also, the shorter length of fermentation (53 d) resulted in lower pH and temperature and enhanced aerobic stability. The combination of silage storage under shade and short length of fermentation resulted in the most stable silages and did not improve the nutritive value of native tropical grasses ensiled in large round bales as evidenced by similar forage intake.