Tropical Legumes Preserved in Silage and Hay Form and Its Nutritional Values in Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of legumes leucaena and desmodium preserved in hay and silage form. We used a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial arrangement with two bulky conservation methods (hay and silage) and two legumes (leucaena and desmodium). For the bulky characterization was determined chemical composition and total digestible nutrients (TDN). For assessing the nutritional value, analysis of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and cell wall digestibility (IVCWD), and in situ effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM) and crude protein (EDCP) were performed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% probability. Due to the characteristics of each specie leucaena presented a higher crude protein (CP) and TDN content compared to desmodium and lower fibrous fractions. The IVDMD presented interaction between the conservation form and forage (P<0.05), where leucaena hay was higher than the others treatments. The IVCWD also presented interaction (P<0.05), and the best values were obtained for leucaena silage. EDDM was superior in leucaena compared to desmodium (P<0.05). Regarding the method of preservation, the EDDM was higher in hay compared to silage. For the EDCP there was an interaction between conservation method and forage, where leucaena silage and hay were similar (P<0.05), but higher than other treatments. Thus, leucaena has a nutritional value higher than desmodium and the conservation of legumes in the hay form presented a higher nutritional value to the conserved as silage.