Effect of sugar cane varieties quality on its value as cattle feed

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) varieties based on parameters that limit intake of this forage by cattle and development of the animals. The varieties used, SP 71-1284, SP 70-1143, SP 71-6163, SP 79-1011, SP 71-1406, CB 47-355, CB 41-76, RB 76-5418, RB 72-454, NA 56-79 and Co 413, were tested on a randomized block design, with 11 treatments and three replications. Harvesting was performed 15 months after planting. The variety RB 76-5418 presented (P<0.05) the greatest proportion of stalk (88.4%). RB 76-5418 and SP 71-6163 had significant (P < 0.05) lower contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the stalks (40.5 and 40.8%), respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) among varieties on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of stalks, leaves and whole plants. The stalks had greater IVDMD(x=75.5%) than leaves (x= 51.4%). There were significant differences for Brix among varieties, ranging from 16.4 to 19.9. The varieties SP 71-1284, SP 79-1011, RB 76-5418 e NA 56-79 presented NDF content in the whole plant less than 52%, NDF/Brix ratio less or equal to 2.7 and percent of stalks greater than 83%, being the most promising ones as cattle feed.