EFFECT OF THE FERMENTATION TIME IN SOLIDE STAGE, DRYING AND STORING ON THE NUTRITIVE QUALITY OF SUGAR CANE. 1999.

Abstract

In order to estimate the effect of the fermentation time in solid stage, drying and storing (FTDS) on the nutritive quality of the sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) it was performanced the present study at Gualaca Experimental Station of IDIAP (Chiriqui). Sugar cane whole plants, Raignar variety, were collected at random and after 24 hours it was proceeded to defoliate and cut the stalks mechanically in size of 1 to 5 mm. It was added 1.5% of urea and 0.5% of mineralized salt (55% raw salt; 45% bone flour and 5% mineral concentrate). Mixture was allowed to ferment during daylight sun at layer of 5 cm for eight hours. Mixture was turned upside down each two hours for its fermentation. Drying at sun continued until the third day. At the end of the day, it was weighted and bagged into 15 kg experimental unit and three replications were assigned at each FTDS. From the fourth day started the storing phase. FTDS were defined as the process of fermentation (24 hours), drying (48 hours) and storing (1, 5, 8, 12, and 29 days). FTDS were: day-4; day-8; day-11; day-15 and day-32. From each FTDS and replications were taken 200 g for chemical analysis. Response variables were: dry matter (DM); crude protein (CP); crude fiber (CF); neutral detergent fiber (NDF); acid detergent fiber (ADF); in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDDM); Ca, P, K, Mg, Zn and Mn. Laboratory results were analyzed by simple and polynomial regression techniques and by no linear model in the parameters. Contents of Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Mn were adjusted to a linear function, whereas PC and K were adjusted to a quadratic and cubic function, respectively. IVDDM was adjusted to a negative linear function. DM, NDF and FC were adjusted to negative growth exponential model. ADF was not adjusted to any function. The ranks of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Mn and IVDDM were 0.233 to 0.560%; 0.417 to 0.673%; 0.510 to 0.760%; 14.333 to 22.000 ppm; 26.000 to 28.333 ppm; and 49.820 to 23.557%, respectively. The ranks of PC, K and ADF were 12.173 to 19.843%; 0.043 to 0.673% and 50.80 to 54.08%, respectively. Ranks of DM, NDF and CF were 87.387 to 94.057%; 61.863 to 87.547% and 38.99 to 54.23%, respectively. Best nutritive quality of Saccarina was obtained on FTDS from 4 to 11 day.