Elephant Grass Silage with Pelleted Citrus Pulp: Chemical Composition, Digestibility, and Feedlot Costs

Author(s)

Barbosa, C. R. ; Santos, M. M. E. ; Meirelles, P. R. L. ; Torres, R. N. S. ; Baldassini, W. A. ; Costa, C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL; v. 48, n. 2, p. 8-pg., 2025-03-01.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of including pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) in BRS Capia & ccedil;u elephant grass silage on its chemical composition and digestibility and the production costs of feedlot diets for beef cattle. A completely randomized experimental design in a 2x5 factorial scheme was used considering 90- and 120-day harvesting intervals for ensiling and five inclusion levels of PCP (0%, 3%, 6%, 12%, or 24% as fed). The dry matter (DM) content of the silages increased with regrowth interval (p<0.01) and there was a quadratic response to the inclusion level of PCP (p<0.01). Total digestible nutrients of the silages decreased with increasing Capia & ccedil;u regrowth interval (p<0.01) but increased linearly with increasing inclusion levels of PCP during ensiling (p<0.01). The in vitro DM digestibility of silage increased linearly with the inclusion of PCP (p<0.01) and with increasing regrowth interval (p<0.01). The inclusion of PCP and grass regrowth interval linearly increased DM recovery from silage (p<0.01). Adding up to 24% PCP during the ensiling of Capia & ccedil;u improves the fermentation profile and nutritional value of the silage and digestibility parameters. Based on economic analysis, we recommend the use of silage prepared from Capia & ccedil;u harvested at 120 days and containing 6% to 12% PCP because of its lower cost per unit of gain ($/arroba produced), cost per animal, and total feedlot costs compared to the other treatments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/05002-3 - Application of omics tools to study performance, carcass and meat quality traits of feedlot cattle: omics integration using "from-farm-to-fork" concept
• Grantee: Welder Angelo Baldassini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants