Silage Characteristics of Sugarcane (\u3cem\u3eSacchrum officinarum\u3c/em\u3e) Tops in Sri Lanka

Sugarcane tops (SCTs) is generally known to be a major byproduct of sugarcane industry which is currently not utilized in a profitable manner and it is widely available at low cost particularly during the dry period in Sri Lanka when the forage are scarce for feeding of ruminants. Usually, the residue after sugarcane harvesting contains dry leaves, fresh leaves and growing point of the stalk. It increases drying of leaves in the field within 2 to 3 days after harvesting due to dry weather conditions prevailing in the harvesting period and much of the tops are burned and wasted in the field. Therefore, it is difficult to use tops as feed unless they are preserved. Silage making is a good preservation technique which can be used under this condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the ensiling characteristics and nutritive value of SCTs or Guinea (Panicum maximum) ‘A’ grass with different additives