Feed Alternatives with Cactus Forage Silage for Animal Nutrition

Wheat bran is commonly used as an absorbent additive in high moisture silages and urea for its possible actions against undesirable microorganisms. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat bran and urea on the fermentation profile, silage losses and chemical composition of Opuntia silage. Four levels of wheat bran (0, 50, 100 and 200 g kg-1 of dry matter) with urea (10 g kg-1 dry matter) or without urea were added in Opuntia silage. Wheat bran negatively influenced gas losses (GL) and the levels of organic acids. The addition of urea (P < 0.05) reduced GL, but increases the concentrations of lactic acid and propionic acid. Populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), moulds and yeasts were reduced by the addition of urea and wheat bran (P < 0.05). Regarding the bromatological constituents, an interaction effect between the factors was only observed (P < 0.05) for the variables of lignin (LIG) and total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), with increased contents. In conclusion, a dose of 200 g kg-1 of wheat bran associated with 10 g kg-1 of dry matter in Opuntia silage seemed viable option to reduce the silage losses along with sizable improvement in the nutritional value of silage.