Composition of High and Low Moisture Coastal Bermudagrass Ensiled under Laboratory Conditions

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Abstract
Chemical composition after 0, 30 and 60 days was measured on good quality high and low moisture coastal bermudagrass silage prepared in laboratory silos. Crude protein content in the high and low moisture silages remained relatively constant throughout ensiling periods. Total amino acids decreased 25% with a concurrent 50% increase in non-amino acid N during the ensiling periods in high and low moisture silage. Cystine was the only amino acid which increased relative to total protein. Formic, acetic, lactic and succinic acid were quantitated in all silage samples. Traces of caproic acid were detected only in high moisture silage. Carotene, xanthophyll and proximate constituent losses during ensiling also were determined. A high quality silage can be prepared in the laboratory from coastal bermudagrass. There is a demand for high quality forage as herd sizes increase.