Study of kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) silage as a forage alternative in the highlands of central Mexico

Ana Estefania Sánchez-Martin, Aurora Sainz-Ramírez, Alejandro Adelaido Morales-Cruz, Felipe Lopez-Gonzalez, Carlos Manuel Arriaga-Jordán

Abstract


Background: Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a tropical forage adapted to the highlands of Mexico, valued for its high yield, drought tolerance, and low cost. Ensiling allows for the utilization of surplus biomass during the rainy season, and its quality can be improved through wilting and inoculants. Studies on its use as silage in Mexico are limited; thus, assessing its nutritional value is necessary. Objective: To evaluate the chemical composition and nutritional quality of Kikuyu grass silage in relation to the use of additives and pre-wilting prior to ensiling. Methodology: Two experiments were conducted using a 2x2 factorial design in microsilos. Exp. 1 evaluated a bacterial inoculant, molasses (5%), and their combination. Exp. 2 evaluated the inoculant, pre-wilting (24 h), and their interaction. Chemical composition (DM, OM, NDF, ADF, and CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pH, fungal growth, and effluent losses were analyzed. Results: In Exp. 1, molasses significantly increased dry matter content but resulted in higher effluent production; it also reduced NDF and ADF, improved IVDMD, and lowered pH and CP. The inoculant reduced both CP and IVDMD; however, molasses counteracted the inoculant's negative effect on IVDMD. Their combination increased fungal growth. In Exp. 2, pre-wilting increased DM, improved IVDMD, and decreased fungal colony counts. The inoculant increased NDF and ADF while reducing IVDMD. The interaction showed that the inoculant only reduced IVDMD in non-wilted silages. Implications: The decision to employ wilting or inoculants must be based on the initial DM content of the forage. Furthermore, evaluating optimal molasses doses is recommended to minimize effluents and maximize benefits. Conclusion: Molasses demonstrated the greatest benefits in fermentation and digestibility, despite the risk of effluents. Additive combinations may have antagonistic effects (e.g., molasses + inoculant on fungal growth). Pre-wilting also improved digestibility.

Keywords


chemical composition; inoculants; wilting; digestibility.

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i2.66606

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6660

Copyright (c) 2026 Aurora Sainz Ramirez, Ana Estefania Sanchez Martin, Alejandro Adelaido Morales Cruz, Felipe Lopez Gonzalez, Carlos Manuel Arriaga Jordan

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