Métodos de avaliação do processamento de grãos na ensilagem de milho planta inteira

Abstract

The evaluation of the degree of corn kernel processing is an important step in determining silage quality, as it directly influences starch availability and its utilization by ruminants. In this context, the present study aimed to compare the 4.75-mm sieve method and a digital image analysis method using the SilageSnap application for evaluating kernel processing during whole-plant corn ensiling. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda do Glória, belonging to the Federal University of Uberlândia, in the Dairy Cattle Sector (SEBOL), during the whole- plant corn ensiling period. Sixteen composite samples were collected directly from the material unloaded into the bunker silo before compaction. For the digital method, 20-g subsamples were washed with water to separate the kernels, prepared, and analyzed using the SilageSnap application. For the sieving method, 100-g subsamples were washed with water to separate the kernels, dried, sieved through a 4.75-mm sieve, and the percentage of particles passing through the sieve was determined. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design, and means were compared by the F-test at a 5% significance level. The sieving method showed a mean of 53.97% of particles below 4.75 mm, whereas the SilageSnap application showed a mean of 61.36%, with a significant difference between the methods. The SilageSnap application showed potential as a tool for evaluating corn kernel processing, estimating higher percentages of particles below 4.75 mm than those obtained by the sieving method. Under the conditions in which this study was conducted, the sieving method proved to be more practical for field application.