Two trials wereperformed to evaluate the nutritive value and aerobic stability of sugar canesilage, as well as apparent digestibility of diets containing these silages.In trial 1, sugar cane was ensiled without additive or inoculated with strainsNCIMB 40788 of Lactobacillus buchneri (5 x 104 cfu/g wet basis).Silages were sampled, analyzed, and compared with fresh sugar cane. Aerobicstability was evaluated by controlling the temperature, pH, and dry matter lossesof the silages. In trial 2, twelve lambs were assigned to a complete randomizedblock design and placed in metabolism crates and fed with diets composed byfresh sugar cane, sugar cane silage without additive, or sugar cane silage treatedwith Lactobacillus buchneri. Dry matter, soluble carbohydrates, and aceticacid concentrations were higher for silage treated with Lactobacillus buchneriwhen compared with silage without additive. There was no difference on ethanollevels between silages. Sugar cane silage treated with Lactobacillus buchnerishowed lower dry matter losses, unchanged pH, and greater aerobic stability.Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose apparent digestibilitywere higher for sugar cane silage treatments.
