Inclusion of Gliricidia Hay in Total Mixed Rations Silage Made from Giant Cactus Forage

This study evaluated the effects of gliricidia hay inclusion in the total mixed rations made from giant forage cactus on the fermentative profile, losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability. The completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of gliricidia hay inclusion on a natural matter-NM basis) and five replications. Dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein exhibited quadratic effects with maximum peaks at 9.33%, 4.94%, and 15.38%. Linear increases were observed on the neutral and acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose, while non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly. The pH showed a linear increase, while ammoniacal nitrogen, propionic, and lactic acids decreased linearly. Acetic acid displayed a quadratic effect with a maximum peak at 11.69%. The minimum silage temperature decreased linearly. Forage losses exhibited quadratic effects with a minimum peak at 8.15%. The effluent, gas, and total losses displayed quadratic effects with minimum peaks at 12.43%, 13.65%, and 11.19%, while dry matter recovery exhibited a maximum peak at 9.34%. The inclusion of up to 15% of gliricidia hay into total mixed rations silages made from giant forage cactus improved the chemical composition and fermentative profile, decreasing forage losses, without promoting changes in the aerobic stability.