Chemical composition and fermentative characteristics of corn hybrids silages grown in Eastern Amazon

Resumo

Northeastern Pará is characterized by pluviometric regimes above 2,000 mm, and high nocturnal temperatures. These factors may influence the phenological stages of the corn plant and consequently the quality of the silage. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, fermentative characteristics, and counts of molds and yeasts of four corn hybrids silages grown in northeastern Pará. Four corn hybrids of an early cycle were used: K9105, 2B688, RB9006, K9960. The cultivation was carried out in a no-tillage system, in the municipality of Igarapé-Açu (PA), in an area of two hectares divided into four plots (one for each hybrid), with four useful areas per plot, to collect forage to be ensiled. The ensiling was done in PVC silos with capacity for 2.5 kg of forage in a density of 600 kg of MN m-3. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design with four replicates (useful areas) per treatment (hybrids). The silos were stored for 90 days. The pH varied between 3.44 and 3.71 for the silages of the studied hybrids, being within the limits desirable for quality silage. The hybrid silage K9960 presented lower dry matter content than K9105 and 2B688 but like RB9006. It is concluded that all the hybrids studied can be used in the production of silages. It is recommended that the dry matter content of the hybrids be monitored before harvest due to differences in senescence.