Ítalo Espinoza Guerra, Ángel Virgilio Cedeño Moreira, Jorge Geovanny Muñoz-Rodríguez, Diego Javier Conrrado-Palma, Camila Fernanda Espinoza-Medina
The study aimed to determine the chemical composition and fiber fractions of forage maize (Zea mays L.) silage with inclusion of passion fruit residue (Passiflora edulis Sims) at levels of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments and five replicates, evaluating crude protein, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), inorganic matter (IM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and fat. The research was conducted at the Ruminology Laboratory of the experimental farm “La María.” The results showed significant differences (p < 0.0001) in partial dry matter, with a decreasing trend as the proportion of passion fruit residue increased, while total dry matter showed no differences. Inorganic matter varied among treatments, with T3 presenting the highest value, and organic matter also showed variation. Regarding fiber fractions, NDF was lowest in T3 and highest in T5, while ADF increased progressively with residue inclusion. Crude protein was higher in T3, T4, and T5, and fat content reached its highest value in T5. In conclusion, the inclusion of passion fruit residue significantly modifies silage composition, improving its nutritional value.