**Nutritive Value of Silages**

[41] Man NV, Wiktorsson H. Effect of molasses on nutritional quality of Cassava and Gliricidia tops silage. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science 2002; 15: 1294–1299.

98 Advances in Silage Production and Utilization

[42] Oni AO; Sowande OS, Oni OO, Aderinboye RY, Dele PA, Ojo VO A, Arigbede OM, Onwuka CFI. Effect of additives on fermentation of cassava leaf silage and ruminal

fluid of West African Dwarf goats. Archivos de Zootecnia 2014; 63: 449–459.

**Chapter 6**

**Provisional chapter**

**Intake and Digestibility of Silages**

**INTAKE and Digestibility of Silages**

Juliana Silva de Oliveira, Edson Mauro Santos and

The intake of DM (DMI) is determinant for ingress of nutrients to cater to the require‐ ments for animal maintenance and production, principally the intake of protein and energy. The end‐products of fermentation can affect the intake of silages and influence animal performance, since some organic acids negatively influence the intake of silage and digestibility of nutrients. For example, acetic and butyric acid have large effects on the intake of silage. Ammonia also can negatively affect the intake of silages. The digestibility can be influenced by end‐products of fermentation and change the characteristics of ensiled plants. The objective of this chapter is to explain how silage end‐products of fermentation and changes in the structure of forage resulting from the ensiling process can affect the intake and digestibility of silages. Some control mechanisms of silage fermentation can be used to improve the intake and digestibility of silage. Biological or chemical additives may contribute to the increased intake of silage and improve digestibility. Appropriate management techniques can influence the result.

**Keywords:** acetic acid, ammonia, animal nutrition, butyric acid, forage ensiling

Ensilage is the method of forage conservation based on conversion of water‐soluble carbohy‐ drates in organic acids by the activity of lactic acid bacteria, which reduces the pH and preserve

The ensiling process show advantages such as conservation of large quantities of forage in short time and forage conservation is less weather dependent. However, a disadvantage of the ensiling process is the relative reduction of feeding value of the silage when compared to the

and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution,

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Juliana Silva de Oliveira, Edson Mauro Santos and

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Ana Paula Maia dos Santos

Ana Paula Maia dos Santos

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/65280

**Abstract**

**1. Introduction**

the fresh forage [1].

#### **Chapter 6 Provisional chapter**

#### **Intake and Digestibility of Silages INTAKE and Digestibility of Silages**

Juliana Silva de Oliveira, Edson Mauro Santos and Juliana Silva de Oliveira, Edson Mauro Santos and

Ana Paula Maia dos Santos Ana Paula Maia dos Santos

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/65280

#### **Abstract**

The intake of DM (DMI) is determinant for ingress of nutrients to cater to the require‐ ments for animal maintenance and production, principally the intake of protein and energy. The end‐products of fermentation can affect the intake of silages and influence animal performance, since some organic acids negatively influence the intake of silage and digestibility of nutrients. For example, acetic and butyric acid have large effects on the intake of silage. Ammonia also can negatively affect the intake of silages. The digestibility can be influenced by end‐products of fermentation and change the characteristics of ensiled plants. The objective of this chapter is to explain how silage end‐products of fermentation and changes in the structure of forage resulting from the ensiling process can affect the intake and digestibility of silages. Some control mechanisms of silage fermentation can be used to improve the intake and digestibility of silage. Biological or chemical additives may contribute to the increased intake of silage and improve digestibility. Appropriate management techniques can influence the result.

**Keywords:** acetic acid, ammonia, animal nutrition, butyric acid, forage ensiling
