Yokota et al., 1991. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 4 (4): 377-382

The effect of molasses addition and hot temperature on the ensiling characteristics of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) were studied. Napier grass was harvested five times at intervals from 22 to 39 days and each harvest was divided into two equal portions. The half portion was ensiled directly and the other half was ensiled after mixing with molasses into polyethylene bag silos of 15 kg capacity. Molasses was added at the rate of 4% of fresh weight of the grass. One half of the each treatment was conserved at a room of 40?C for a month and then moved to an ambient temperature room. The other half was kept at ambient temperature for the whole experimental duration. The silages were opened 3 to 7 months after ensiling. Addition of molasses enhanced lactic acid fermentation by increasing lactic acid content and reducing pH value, ammonia nitrogen and acetic, propionic and butyric acid contents of the silages in both temperature treatments. Enhanced temperature increased pH value and decreased acetic, propionic and butyric acids.