This research evaluated the addition of three levels of calcium oxide (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0%) at the sugar cane ensiling. Chemical composition was evaluated during fermentation and after silo opening. Before ensiling, increasing levels of calcium oxide reduced the NDF, ADF, and lignin concentration, and increased hemicellulose and in vitro true dry matter digestible-IVTDMD. At the silo opening, it was observed greater NDF and ADF concentration, compared to values observed before ensiling. The smallest values were observed on the treatments with greater additive application. In this same phase, the highest additive level resulted in the highest IVTDMD. The CP, NDF, ADF, lignin, hemicellulose, and IVTDMD did not present significant changes from the silos opening until the 3rd day of air exposure. The control and 0.5% calcium oxide silage presented significant increase on the NDF concentration from the 3rd to the 6th day of air exposure. Silages treated with 0.5% of calcium oxide increased the NDF concentration from the 6th to the 9th day. Silage treated with 1.0% of calcium oxide changed the composition from the 3rd to the 9th day. Silages with 2.0% of calcium oxide did not change the NDF concentration after silos opening. The IVTDMD and non-structural carbohydrates recovery increased on the silages treated with 2.0% of the additive at the ensiling and on those silages treated with 1.0 and 2.0%, the recovery was greater after the silo opening. Addition of calcium oxide reduced silage NDF concentration in all the phases, and it maintained more stable the NDF values after silo opening.
additive; aerobic stability; chemical treatment; ensilage; whitewash