Effect of propionic and potassium sorbate supplementation on quality and performance of sugarcane tops silage

: The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of chemical additives on the quality parameters and nutritive value of sugarcane tops (SCT) silages. The trial was carried out in a completely randomized experimental design with total twelve treatments including two controls, C1 (without additive) and C2 (with common additives viz., 0.5% Urea, 0.5% NaCl and 2% molasses on wet basis). However, ten treatments (C2+ other chemical additives viz., SB; Soidum benzoate, PS; Potassium sorbate, PA; propionic acid and their combinations) were applied @ 0.1% (wet basis) onto the fresh SCT and ensiled for 30 days in 3.5 L vacuum sealed plastic jars in two replicates of each treatment. The analyzed variables were: chemical composition, quality parameters and nutritive values. Selection of most promising additive/combination was done with Flieg point and fitness values. The addition of chemical additive before ensiling produced silages with better quality indices (pH, lactic acid, Flieg point and fitness values), higher nutritive value (crude protein and ME) and low NDF as compared to control with additive (C2). Ammonia Nitrogen (NH 3 N% TN) and protein fractionation (NDICP and ADICP) were also considered for the identification of best SCT top silage and chemical additive effect. The results of present study indicate that PA and PS+PA were the most promising additive treatments for the improving the SCT silage quality and nutritive value. Furthermore, information extended from the present study is giving future direction towards animal feeding trials with SCT silage with chemical additive.