Fermentative losses and lactic acid content of elephant grass silages added with macauba cake

Elephant grass is indicated for silage production but requires additives to increase dry matter content because it reduces the production of effluents, potentially improves the fermentation pattern, and preserves the nutrients of the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including macauba cake in elephant grass ensilage on dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, lactic acid production, pH values, losses by gases and effluents, and dry matter recovery. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3x6 factorial scheme, with three levels of inclusion of macauba cake (0, 10, and 20%) and six opening times (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 days after ensilage), with four repetitions. Macauba cake was an effective moisture-absorbing additive, increasing dry matter content, lactic acid bacteria population, and lactic acid content and reducing the pH. The losses by effluents and gases decreased, and dry matter recovery increased with the addition of this biodiesel co-product. The 20% level of inclusion of macauba cake in elephant grass ensilage allowed for better preserving the ensiled material.