Tanzania grass haylage wrapped in films of different thicknesses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of gases, temperature, fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and aerobic stability of Tanzania grass haylage wrapped in films of different thicknesses. Gas production and temperature were evaluated on storage days in 4 x 5 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 mu m and five storage times: 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days). Fermentation characteristics were evaluated in 4 x 4 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 mu m and four storage times: 7, 15, 30 and 60 days). Aerobic stability was evaluated in 4 x 3 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 mu m and three times of exposure to air: 0, 48 and 96 h). The lowest pH value of the evaluated haylages was found at 60 days. The largest population of lactic acid bacteria and smallest populations of enterobacteria were observed in the haylage wrapped in the film of 13 mu m at 60 days. The haylage wrapped in the film of 13 mu m had the highest values of dry matter and crude protein. When using Tanzania grass for haylage making, it is recommended to use the polyvinyl chloride film of 13 mu m and storage time of 60 days.