Qualidade da silagem de capim elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu (C. purpureus (Schum.) Morrone) aditivada de cascas de tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum)

Abstract

In 2024, the cattle herd in Amazonas reached approximately 2.6 million heads, representing 1.09% of the national growth, with emphasis on milk and meat production under extensive systems. However, structural challenges such as limited feeding management and irregular supply of quality forages compromise productivity, reinforcing the need for sustainable alternatives to diversify production. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of elephant grass BRS Capiaçu (C. purpureus (Schum.) Morrone) silage harvested at different cutting ages (65, 95, and 125 days) and supplemented with tucumã peel (Astrocaryum aculeatum) at inclusion levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement, consisting of 12 treatments with 3 repetitions, totaling 36 experimental silos. A marked reduction in pH was observed at 65 days with increasing additive levels, decreasing from 5.37 to 3.43 between 0% and 15%, while values remained stable (3.76–4.04) at 95 and 125 days. The highest gas losses occurred with 15% inclusion at 125 days (8.6%), whereas the best dry matter recovery was recorded in the control treatment at 125 days (81.1%). No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for dry matter, mineral matter, and organic matter, indicating nutritional stability of silage. It is concluded that tucumã peel can be used as a structural additive without compromising nutritional value, being more effective at 65 days of cutting, and representing a viable and sustainable alternative to valorize regional residues and strengthen livestock production in Amazonas.