Chemical composition and ruminal in vitro degradation of fresh or silage of Agave salmiana otto ex. salm-dick

Chemical composition and in vitro DM ruminal degradation of whole plant or leaves of Agave salmiana immature, mature or castrated, fresh or silage were estimated. Results suggest that silage process affected pH, DM, NDF, ADF, ash and in vitro DM ruminal degradation, but did not reduce saponin concentration. DM, OM, CP, ADF, ash and DM degradation rate was modified by maturity. Moreover, segment plant impacted OM, CP, ash, saponin and DM degradation rate. Fermentative compounds were found in normal concentrations in the A. salmiana silages.