One type of commercial silo and three types of experimental silos were used for determination of chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) (33.0% DM and 4.2% CP) ensiled in two different densities (400 or 600 kg of silage/m³): 1) commercial bunker silo sampled at 30 (top) and 60 (deep) cm from the top; 2) plastic silo with bulsen valve; 3) plastic bag; and 4) concrete pipe. A completely randomized design was used. The concrete pipe silo produced silage with higher pH, ADIN and lignin values, as well as lower in vitro digestibility, buffering capacity, and lactic acid and NH3-N concentrations. Experimental silos had superior quality than commercial silos to starch, soluble carbohydrates, buffering capacity, NH3-N, acetic, propionic, butyric, and lactic acids concentrations. Variation in fermentation in different levels of commercial silos was greater than in different types of experimental ones.
fermentation; Pennisetum purpureum
