Background:

Sugarcane silage (SCS) has often been characterized by large dry matter (DM) losses associated with reduction in soluble nutrients and increase in indigestible fiber.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of including discarded fruits on the losses and nutritional value in SCS.

Methods:

A completely randomized design was used with five treatments and five replications. Silages were added with 15% (as-fed basis) papaya (Carica papaya) (SP), acerola (Malpighia glabra) (SA), banana (Musa sp.) (SB) or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (ST). The control treatment was composed only of SCS. Twenty-five (25-L) plastic buckets were used to make the experimental silos, which were opened on the 90th day after their closure. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance.

Results:

Gas losses and total DM losses were lower and DM recovery was higher in SB and SA than in the control (p<0.05). The SB had lower content of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber compared to SP, SA, ST and the control group (p<0.05). There was no effect of treatment for ethanol content (p>0.05). However, there was treatment effect for lactic and acetic acids, ammonia nitrogen contents, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and mold counts (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The inclusion of 15% banana or acerola in SCS decreases losses and increases DM recovery. Furthermore, the inclusion of 15% banana improves the nutritional value of SCS.

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