Dehydratation curve and chemical-bromatologic composition of stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) hay in function of the baling process moisture content

Abstract

It was aimed at to determine the dehydration curve and the moisture content effect during the baling process in the chemical composition of star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) hay. Samples were collected from harvest until baling to determine the dehydration curve of both whole plant and leaf and stem fractions. The baling process occurred with predetermined moisture contents: 25, 16 and 12%. A completely randomized experimental design with ten replications was used, and the chemical bromatological composition data were compared by Tukey Test (5%). The water loss rate was higher for leaf when compared to stem fraction. In the early hours after storage, it was noticed higher heat for hays with 25% of moisture content. There was not effect of moisture content during baling process in the chemical composition of star grass hay, except for crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE). In vitro dry matter digestibility (INDMD) and in vitro crude protein digestibility (INCPD) were not affected by moisture content in baling process either. It was concluded that the moisture content during the baling process does not affect the chemical composition of star grass hay in advanced stadium of development, except for crude protein and ether extract.