Preservation of sugarcane silage with urea and calcium oxide: performance and metabolic efficiency of dairy cows

Background: Inclusion of urea and calcium oxide (CaO) during sugarcane ensilage has been hypothesized to improve dairy cow performance. Objective: To evaluate the use as additives preserve silage quality determine whether they performance metabolic efficiency. Methods: Four diets were used: without additive (SS), with 10 g/kg (SU), 5 + CaO (SUC), (SC). Eight crossbred cows at approximately 100 days lactation distributed in two 4x4 Latin squares, their formulated reach an average milk production 15 kg/day. Results: Dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, organic total digestible nutrient intake highest (p<0.05) for fed SC. Urinary excretion nitrogen was higher based on SUC than those Milk content animals SU diets. Nitrogen balance positive all treatments; however, microbial protein synthesis low Conclusions: The diet showed loss through milk. Among evaluated silages, SC are recommended promote a high nutritional components.