Produção e qualidade da silagem de girassol: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Ensiling is an important practice to ensure a constant supply of forage for ruminant production, especially in regions with uneven periods of forage production due to climatic factors, such as drought or frost. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an excellent option for silage, as it adapts well to a wide variety of climates, including temperate, subtropical and tropical. Furthermore, sunflower is more tolerant to water deficit compared to corn, which makes it an advantageous choice in areas prone to drought periods. Other advantages of sunflower silage include its high energy value and protein content, which tend to be higher than corn or sorghum silages. This can allow a reduction in the amount of concentrated feed needed in the animals' diet, making it a nutritious and economical option. Furthermore, sunflower production often has a lower cost per hectare than corn, which contributes to its attractiveness as a silage crop. In summary, sunflower silage is a valuable alternative for providing quality forage to animals, especially in areas with significant climate variations, as it offers nutritional, economic and climate adaptation benefits that make it a viable choice for livestock producers.