EFEITO DA ÉPOCA DE SEMEADURA NA COMPOSIÇÃO BROMATOLÓGICA DA SILAGEM DE TRIGO.

Wheat silage has been consolidated as a strategic alternative for feeding ruminants, especially in periods of forage scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sowing time on the chemical composition of wheat silage. The experiment was conducted at IFMG – Bambuí Campus, using four planting times with weekly intervals between July 11 and August 1. After 85 days, the plants were harvested and ensiled in experimental silos. The chemical analyses were performed via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), considering parameters such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), NDF, ADF, starch, ether extract and net energy for lactation (NE Lact). The results demonstrated that the planting time significantly influenced (p<0.01) the DM, CP, NDF and starch contents. The highest concentrations of DM and starch were observed in silages from the 07/11/24 and 25/07 plantings, suggesting better energy value. The highest CP contents were recorded in the later sowings. The 07/18/24 season presented lower energy value, with higher moisture and NDF. It is concluded that adequate management of the sowing season is essential to ensure silages with better nutritional quality, with planting in mid-July being the most suitable for obtaining silages with higher energy value and digestibility.