Realocação de silagens de raiz da mandioca submetidas a diferentes tempos de exposição e de armazenamento

Abstract

The relocation of silages is a common practice on farms; however, it involves aerobic exposure, which may compromise silage quality. Cassava root silage (CRS) has great potential for livestock production, but despite its promise, the literature still lacks information on the effects of relocation on its quality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cassava root silage relocation subjected to different exposure times combined with different storage periods on the composition of relocated silage. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four exposure times (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) associated with two storage periods (15 and 30 days), totaling 32 experimental units. PVC pipes were used as experimental silos. On average, silos were filled with 2.841 ± 0.205 kg of silage, with a mean density of 1063.90 ± 76.93 kg·m⁻³. Means were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. There was an interaction (P < 0.001) for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, with higher values at 0 h for both 15 and 30 days, and higher counts at 15 days compared with 30 days, except at 24 h. Storage time affected (P = 0.02) spore-forming bacteria (SFB) counts, which were higher at 30 days. An interaction was observed for yeast counts (P = 0.009), with higher values at 72, 48, and 24 h compared with 0 h at 15 days; no yeast growth was detected after 30 days. No filamentous fungi were detected. An interaction (P = 0.003) was observed for pH, with higher values at 72, 48, and 24 h at 15 days of storage; however, at 30 days, higher pH values were observed at 0, 24, and 72 h compared with 48 h, and pH decreased from 15 to 30 days of storage. Ammonia nitrogen was affected by storage time (P = 0.01), being lower at 30 days. Exposure time affected dry matter content (P < 0.005), with higher values at 48 and 72 h. Storage time affected ash (P = 0.002) and organic matter (P = 0.002) contents, with higher ash and lower organic matter at 30 days. Crude protein was affected by exposure time (P = 0.017) and storage time (P < 0.001), with higher values at 24 and 72 h of exposure and increased concentrations from 15 to 30 days of storage. Exposure time affected starch content (P < 0.001), with higher values at 0 and 24 h. Overall, fermentative parameters were altered by relocation. Dry matter content increased with relocation time due to aerobic exposure, and nutritional value was affected, as prolonged relocation reduced starch concentration in the silage. Storage time inhibited yeast growth in relocated silage masses.