Effect of xylanase, cellulase and natural maguey extract on the chemical composition of corn silage and in vitro rumen gas production

This study considered the application of two exogenous enzymes, xylanase (XYL) and cellulase (CELL), and maguey extract (ME), (applying 1 ml per kg as fresh matter) and a control (without additive) in four maize silage varieties (San Diego, Cacahuacintle, P-1832 and Victoria), to investigate their effect on the chemical composition (CC), gas production (GP) and in vitro ruminal fermentation. The GP was measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation. Dry matter disappearance (DMD), organic matter disappearance (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined after 96 h of incubation. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a 4×4 factorial arrangement with three replications. The CC showed a significant effect (P<0.05) for varieties with the exception of organic matter (OM), and the inclusion of additives increased the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). A significant effect (P<0.01) was observed for the varieties in the GP parameters and ruminal fermentation. The addition of XYL, CEL and ME promoted dry matter degradation and increased energy availability, with increased in vitro gas production.