Effect of applying molasses or inoculants containing homofermentative or heterofermentative bacteria at two rates on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage

Whole-Genome Analysis of Termite-Derived Bacillus velezensis BV-10 and Its Application in King Grass Silage

Bacillus velezensis (B. velezensis) is a cellulose-degrading strain that has the potential as an additive in fermented feed. B. velezensis BV-10 was isolated and screened from the termite gut. We sequenced the whole genome of this new source of B. velezensis to reveal its potential for use in cellulose degradation. Whole-genome sequencing of B. velezensis BV-10 showed that it has a circular chromosome of 3929792 bp containing 3873 coding genes with a GC content of 45.51% and many genes related to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin degradation. King grass silage was inoculated with B. velezensis BV-10 and mixed with other feed additives to assess the effect of B. velezensis BV-10 on the fermentation quality of silage. Six treatment groups were established: the control, B. velezensis BV-10, molasses, cellulase, B. velezensis BV-10 plus molasses, and B. velezensis BV-10 plus cellulase groups. After 30 days of silage-fermentation testing, B. velezensis BV-10 was found to rapidly reduce the silage pH value and significantly reduce the acid-detergent fiber (ADF) content (p < 0.05). The addition of B. velezensis BV-10 plus molasses and cellulase in fermented feed significantly reduced the silage neutral-detergent fiber and ADF content and promoted organic-acid accumulation (p < 0.05). The above results demonstrate that B. velezensis BV-10 promotes the fermentation quality of silage and that this effect is greater when other silage-fermentation additives are included. In conclusion, genes involved in cellulose degradation in B. velezensis BV-10 were identified by whole-genome sequencing and further experiments explored the effects of B. velezensis BV-10 and different feed additives on the fermentation quality of king grass silage, revealing the potential of Bacillus velezensis as a new silage additive.

Evaluation of molasses on fermentation profiles of wheat straw ensiled with tall fescue in the southwest Tibet

Two experiments were carried out to determine the optimal proportion of mixed silage made with wheat straw and tall fescue, and further to evaluate the effects of molasses on fermentation quality. In Experiment 1, wheat straw and tall fescue were mixed at proportions of 10:0 (Control), 8:2 (WT20), 6:4 (WT40) and 4:6 (WT60) on fresh weight (FW) basis. Inclusion of tall fescue significantly (p < 0.05) increased lactic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate contents and ratio of lactic to acetic acid, and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pH and contents of dry matter, NH3 -N and volatile fatty acids. WT60 had the highest (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, and the lowest (p < 0.05) pH and butyric acid content. In Experiment 2, the mixture of wheat straw and tall fescue (4/6) were treated with 0%, 3%, 4% and 5% molasses on FW basis (defined as control, WTM3, WTM4 and WTM5 respectively). Molasses addition significantly (p < 0.05) increased lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrate contents, and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pH and ammonia-nitrogen content as compared with control. Acetic acid content slightly (p > 0.05) decreased during ensiling, while trace amounts of propionic and butyric acids were observed. WTM5 had the lowest pH and the highest (p < 0.05) lactic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate contents and ratio of lactic to acetic acid at end of ensiling. In conclusion, the fermentation quality was maximally improved when the addition rate of molasses was 5% in 40% wheat straw ensiled with 60% tall fescue.

Fermentation Quality, In Vitro Digestibility, and Aerobic Stability of Ensiling Spent Mushroom Substrate with Microbial Additives

This experiment investigated the effects of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of Flammulina velutipes spent mushroom substrate silage (F-silage) and Pleurotus eryngii spent mushroom substrate silage (P-silage). Silage treatments included groups without any additives (control), with lactic acid bacteria (L), with cellulase (E), and with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase (M). Data analysis was performed using independent sample t-test and analysis of variance. After 45 days of ensiling, the pH in F-silage and P-silage from the L, E, and M groups were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The pH, acetic acid (AA), and propionic acid (PA) levels in P-silage were lower than those in F-silage, and the LA content in P-silage was higher than that in F-silage (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the E treatment increased in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) and in vitro acid detergent fibre digestibility (IVADFD) in F-silage and P-silage (p < 0.05). The aerobic stability of F-silage inoculated with L increased (p < 0.05) by 24 h compared to the control. The aerobic stability of P-silage inoculated with M increased (p < 0.05) by 6 h compared to the control. The improvement in fermentation quality and aerobic stability is extremely large in terms of applying M in F-silage and P-silage. The E is effective in improving the in vitro digestibility of P-silage. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the production of high-quality spent mushroom substrate fermented feed.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis or Lentilactobacillus buchneri on aerobic stability, and the microbial community in aerobic exposure of whole plant corn silage

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis or Lentilactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and bacterial and fungal communities of whole plant corn silage during aerobic exposure. Whole plant corn was harvested at the wax maturity stage, which chopped to a length of approximately 1 cm, and treated with the following: distilled sterile water control, 2.0 × 10⁵ CFU/g of Lentilactobacillus buchneri (LB) or 2.0 × 10⁵ CFU/g of Bacillus subtilis (BS) for 42 days silage. Then, the samples were exposed to air (23-28^°C) after opening and sampled at 0, 18 and 60 h, to investigate fermentation quality, bacterial and fungal communities, and aerobic stability. Inoculation with LB or BS increased the pH value, acetic acid, and ammonia nitrogen content of silage (P < 0.05), but it was still far below the threshold of inferior silage, the yield of ethanol was reduced (P < 0.05), and satisfactory fermentation quality was achieved. With the extension of the aerobic exposure time, inoculation with LB or BS prolonged the aerobic stabilization time of silage, attenuated the trend of pH increase during aerobic exposure, and increased the residues of lactic acid and acetic acid. The bacterial and fungal alpha diversity indices gradually declined, and the relative abundance of Basidiomycota and Kazachstania gradually increased. The relative abundance of Weissella and unclassified_f_Enterobacteria was higher and the relative abundance of Kazachstania was lower after inoculation with BS compared to the CK group. According to the correlation analysis, Bacillus and Kazachstania are bacteria and fungi that are more closely related to aerobic spoilage and inoculation with LB or BS could inhibit spoilage. The FUNGuild predictive analysis indicated that the higher relative abundance of fungal parasite-undefined saprotroph in the LB or BS groups at AS2, may account for its good aerobic stability. In conclusion, silage inoculated with LB or BS had better fermentation quality and improved aerobic stability by effectively inhibiting the microorganisms that induce aerobic spoilage.

Dynamic Changes in Fermentation Quality and Structure and Function of the Microbiome during Mixed Silage of Sesbania cannabina and Sweet Sorghum Grown on Saline-Alkaline Land

Protein-rich Sesbania cannabina and sugar-rich sweet sorghum [Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) Snowden] are characterized by their higher tolerance to saline-alkaline stresses and simultaneous harvests. They could be utilized for coensiling because of their nutritional advantages, which are crucial to compensate protein-rich forage in saline-alkaline regions. The current study investigated the fermentation quality, microbial community succession, and predicted microbial functions of Sesbania cannabina and sweet sorghum in mixed silage during the fermentation process. Before ensiling, the mixtures were treated with compound lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants followed by 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days of fermentation. The results revealed that the inoculated homofermentative species Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus farciminis dominated the early phase of fermentation, and these shifted to the heterofermentative species Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus hilgardii in the later phase of fermentation. As a result, the pH of the mixed silages decreased significantly, accompanied by the growth of acid-producing microorganisms, especially L. buchneri and L. hilgardii, which actively influenced the bacterial community structure and metabolic pathways. Moreover, the contents of lactic acid, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and water-soluble carbohydrates increased, while the contents of ammonia-N and fiber were decreased, with increasing ratios of sweet sorghum in the mixed silage. Overall, coensiling Sesbania cannabina with >30% sweet sorghum is feasible to attain high-quality silage, and the relay action between homofermentative and heterofermentative LAB species could enhance fermentation quality and conserve the nutrients of the mixed silage. IMPORTANCE The coensiling of Sesbania cannabina and sweet sorghum is of great practical importance in order to alleviate the protein-rich forage deficiency in saline-alkaline regions. Furthermore, understanding the microbial community's dynamic changes, interactions, and metabolic pathways during ensiling will provide the theoretical basis to effectively regulate silage fermentation. Here, we established that coensiling Sesbania cannabina with >30% sweet sorghum was effective at ensuring better fermentation quality and preservation of nutrients. Moreover, the different fermentation types of LAB strains played a relay role during the fermentation process. The homofermentative species L. plantarum and L. farciminis dominated in the early phase of fermentation, while the heterofermentative species L. buchneri and L. hilgardii dominated in the later phase of fermentation. Their relay action in Sesbania cannabina-sweet sorghum mixed silage may help to improve fermentation quality and nutrient preservation.

Effect of Sorbic Acid, Ethanol, Molasses, Previously Fermented Juice and Combined Additives on Ensiling Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) Silage

The effects of sorbic acid, ethanol, previously fermented juice and their combined additives on fermentation quality and residual water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) were herein investigated. There were two experiments in total. The treatments of experiment 1 were as follows: control (no addition); sorbic acid at 0.1%, S; molasses at 1.0%, M; previously fermented juice at 5 mL/kg, P; SP; SM; SPM. The treatments of experiment 2 were as follows: control (no addition); ethanol at 1.5%, E; molasses at 1.0%, M; previously fermented juice at 5 mL/kg, P; EM; EP; EPM. The laboratory silos (10 L) were kept at room temperature (~25 °C), and opened after 120 days of ensiling and the chemical compositions of silage were analyzed. Sorbic acid addition significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the silage pH and increased the residual WSC and lactic acid (LA) contents as compared with control. Ethanol addition decreased pH, acetic acid (AA) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) contents, and increased the ratio of LA/AA, LA and residual WSC contents. Molasses addition increased ratios of LA/AA and enhanced WSC content used by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The PFJ addition increased AA and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (AN/TN) and decreased the LA contents. Comparing the fermentation quality among all silages in the present study, the combined additives SM and EM performed best in improving the silage quality of napiergrass.

Changes in chemical composition, structural and functional microbiome during alfalfa (Medicago sativa) ensilage with Lactobacillus plantarum PS-8

Improving silage production by adding exogenous microorganisms not only maximizes nutrient preservation, but also extends product shelf life. Herein, changes in the quality and quantity of Lactobacillus plantarum PS-8 (PS-8) -inoculated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) during silage fermentation were monitored at d 0, 7, 14, and 28 (inoculum dose of PS-8 was 1 × 105 colony forming units [cfu]/g fresh weight; 50 kg per bag; 10 bags for each time point) by reconstructing metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAG) and Growth Rate InDex (GRiD). Our results showed that the exogenous starter bacterium, PS-8 inoculation, became the most dominating strain by d 7, and possibly played a highly active role throughout the fermentation process. The pH value of the silage decreased greatly, accompanied by the growth of acid-producing microorganisms namely PS-8, which inhibited the growth of harmful microorganisms like molds (4.18 vs. 1.42 log cfu/g) and coliforms (4.95 vs. 0.66 log most probable number [MPN]/g). The content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased significantly (41.6% vs. 37.6%; dry matter basis). In addition, the abundance and diversity of genes coding microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) increased significantly and desirably throughout the fermentation, particularly the genes responsible for degrading starch, arabino-xylan, and cellulose. Overall, our results showed that PS-8 was replicating rapidly and consistently during early- and mid-fermentation phases, promoting the growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria and inhibiting undesirable microbes, ultimately improving the quality of silage.

Dry matter recovery, ensiling characteristics and aerobic stability of oat silage treated with microbial inoculants at different temperatures

To evaluate the effects of temperature and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on oat silage in Loess Plateau of China, oat was harvested at dough stage, inoculated without (Control) or with LAB inoculants Synlac I (SLI, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pedioccocus acidilactici) and a selected strain HT1 (L. rhamnosus) and ensiled at 25°C (T25), 35°C (T35) and 45°C (T45). The fermentation quality was measured after 60 d of ensiling and the aerobic exposure was conducted at 30°C for 9 d. The results showed that control silage (stored at 25°C) had better fermentation quality than that ensiled at 35°C or 45°C. High temperature of 45°C resulted in sharp decreases in LAB counts and lactic acid concentration and increases in pH and NH₃-N concentration in the control group. Inoculation improved the fermentation quality, and HT1 was more effective than SLI at 35°C and 45°C, while SLI showed better performance at 25°C. All silages displayed mild fluctuation for all treatments at the first 3 d of aerobic exposure, and significant differences were observed among treatments after that. Both control and inoculated silages stored at 25°C showed a sharp pH increase, while HT1 treated silages stored at 35°C and 45°C maintained stable pH and better fermentation quality during the aerobic exposure. In conclusion, SLI was suitable for oat silage fermentation at normal atmospheric temperature (25°C), while HT1 was more effective in improving DM recovery, fermentation quality and aerobic stability of oat silage at high temperature during summer in the Loess Plateau of China.

The Potential of Pre-fermented Juice or Lactobacillus Inoculants to Improve the Fermentation Quality of Mixed Silage of Agro-Residue and Lucerne

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pre-fermented juice, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. buchneri on chemical composition, fermentation, aerobic stability, dynamics of microbial community, and metabolic pathway of a mixture of lucerne, wheat bran (WB), and rice straw (RS). All mixtures were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after treatment with uninoculated (control, C); L. plantarum [LP, 1 × 106 cfu/g of fresh weight (FW)]; L. buchneri (LB, 1 × 106 cfu/g of FW); LP + LB (LPB, 1 × 106 cfu/g of FW of each inoculant); and pre-fermented juice (J; 2 × 106 cfu/g of FW). Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species from three genera were cultured from the pre-fermented juice, with W. cibaria being dominant. The inoculants increased lactic acid (LA), decreased pH and ammonia nitrogen (AN) compared to C silage at earlier stages of ensiling, and high dry matter (DM) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in inoculated silages. Adding LPB increased the abundance of L. plantarum, L. paralimentarius, and L. nodensis, resulting in the lowest pH. Pre-fermented juice enriched W. cibaria, L. sakei, L. parabrevis, Pseudomonas putida, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, mainly enhanced accumulation of acetic acid (AA) and LA, and decreased pH, crude protein losses, AN, and hemicellulose contents. L. buchneri and L. brevis had a high abundance in LB-treated and J silages, respectively, inhibited undesirable bacteria, and improved aerobic stability with more than 16 days. In addition, the metabolic pathways changed with time and L. buchneri inoculants promoted global metabolism. In conclusion, inoculations altered bacterial succession and metabolic pathways in silage; LB and pre-fermented juice enhanced ensiling by promoting pH reductions, enhancing concentrations of LA and AA, and extending aerobic stability more than 16 days.

Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses alter dynamic chemical composition, microbial community, and aerobic stability of mixed (amaranth and rice straw) silage

BACKGROUND

The objective was to determine how molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum affect chemical composition, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and the microbial community of an ensiled mixture of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriaus, AF) and rice straw. Treatments were control (C, no addition), L. plantarum (L; 2 × 10⁵  cfu g^-1 fresh weight), molasses (M; 40 g kg^-1 fresh matter), and their combination (LM). All treatments were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 30 days.

RESULTS

All additives improved fermentation quality with greater lactic acid (LA), acetic acid, and lower pH than C silage over the ensiling period. The LM silage combination optimized fermentability, manifested as greater LA contents and a more rapid pH reduction during the first 7 days of ensiling than L or M silages. After 30 days of ensiling, inoculant L. plantarum increased Lactobacillus abundance and reduced bacterial diversity and Enterobacteriaceae abundance compared with silage treated with molasses. Molasses addition reduced the relative concentration of structural carbohydrates (neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose) after 30 days of ensiling. Finally, there was spoilage after 2 days and 4 days of aerobic exposure in C and LM silages respectively, whereas L silage had not spoiled after 4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the combination of L. plantarum and molasses further optimized fermentation characteristics, L silage had better aerobic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Different lactic acid bacteria and their combinations regulated the fermentation process of ensiled alfalfa: ensiling characteristics, dynamics of bacterial community and their functional shifts

The objectives of this study were to investigate the adaptation and competition of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in alfalfa silage alone or in combination on the fermentation quality, dynamics of bacterial community, and their functional shifts using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology. Before ensiling, alfalfa was inoculated with L. plantarum (Lp), P. pentosaceus (Pp), E. faecalis (Ef) or their combinations (LpPp, LpEf, LpPpEf) and sampled at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 60 days. After 60-days fermentation, the Lp-, Pp- and LpPp-inoculated silages had lower pH but greater concentrations of lactic acid were observed in Pp, LpEf and LpPpEf-inoculated silages. The inoculants altered the keystone taxa and the bacterial community dynamics in different manners, where L. plantarum, Weissella cibaria and L. pentosaceus dominated the bacterial communities after 14 days-fermentation in all treatments. The silages with better fermentation quality had simplified bacterial correlation structures. Moreover, different inoculants dramatically changed the carbohydrate, amino acid, energy, nucleotide and vitamin metabolism of bacterial communities during ensiling. Results of the current study indicate that effect of different inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation was implemented by modulating the succession of bacterial community, their interactions and metabolic pathways as well during ensiling.

Improvement of Fermentation Quality in the Fermented Total Mixed Ration with Oat Silage

The use of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) is a promising approach for the preservation of homogeneous feed, but changes during fermentation and links with the bacterial community of FTMR are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of adding oat silage (OS) to the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) in terms of fermentation, chemical composition, and the bacterial community. The fermentation quality of FTMR with 22% OS was greatly improved, as demonstrated by decreases in the butyric acid concentration, a lower lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, a larger population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and quicker spoilage yeast death. Further examination of the effects of various ensiling days on nutritive values showed stable crude protein and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) contents. The concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) were increased following all FTMR treatments after 15 d, while the concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) was decreased. More heterofermentative LAB, such as Lentilactobacillus buchneri, Lentilactobacillus brevis, and Companilactobacillus versmoldensis were found after adding 11% and 22% OS. Moreover, the addition of 22% OS caused a marked increase in both bacterial richness and diversity, dominated by the Lactobacillus genus complex. Among species of the Lactobacillus genus complex, the occurrence of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis was positively correlated with lactic acid, NPN, and NH₃-N concentrations, suggesting its potential role in altering the fermentation profiles.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Nutritive Value and In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility of Maize and Rice Straw Silage

A study was conducted to determine the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on nutritive value and in vitro rumen digestibility of maize and rice straw silages. Two identical experiments were carried out for each of the two silages. A total of five treatments were used for each experiment: (1) negative control (NC); (2) positive control (PC); (3) Lactobacillus plantarum (LPL); (4) L. paracasei (LPA); and (5) L. acidophilus (LA). Each treatment was then divided into four ensiling periods: 3, 7, 20, and 40 days with three replications. The LPL treatment had significantly higher dry matter (DM), lower ammonia-N, and a lower number of fungi on maize silage after 40 days (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the LA treatment increased DM and CP content, reduced NDF and ADF contents compared to NC, and also produced more lactic acid compared to the other LAB-treated rice straw silages. Results of the in vitro rumen fermentation of maize silages showed no significant differences in DMD after LAB inoculation. However, higher DMD and ruminal ammonia-N were shown by rice straw ensiled with L. acidophilus. In conclusion, silage additives, which could improve the ensiling process of maize and rice straw, appeared to be different and substrate specific.

Effects of Chopping Length and Additive on the Fermentation Quality and Aerobic Stability in Silage of Leymus chinensis

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the chopping length and additive on the fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability in silage of Leymus chinensis. L. chinensis was chopped to 1–2 cm and 4–5 cm, and immediately ensiled with the three treatments, i.e., 2% sucrose (fresh weight basis; SU), 1 × 105 cfu/g Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) or 1 × 105 cfu/g LP plus 2% sucrose (SU+LP). Silage treated with distilled water served as the control. After silage processing for 30 and 90 d, the fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage was evaluated. The composition of the fermentation products and the pH value in the silage were determined at 1, 3, 5 and 7 d after opening the silo. The results showed that in L. chinensis silage there was a lower pH value, higher lactic acid content and better aerobic stability at the 1–2 cm length than those at the 4–5 cm (p < 0.001). When the chopping length was 4–5 cm, the addition of either LP or SU+LP increased the content of lactic acid and acetic acid, and decreased the pH value and butyric acid content, compared to those of the control and SU treatment (p < 0.001). Furthermore, combination treatment of SU+LP performed better than LP alone, and the aerobic stability time of L. chinensis silage at 4–5 cm without any additives was the worst. In conclusion, enhanced fermentation quality and aerobic stability can be obtained by processing L. chinensis silage with the shorter length. When the L. chinensis is cut longer, e.g., 4–5 cm in this study, LP or SU+LP could be used as an effective method to improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of L. chinensis silage.

Application of condensed molasses fermentation solubles and lactic acid bacteria in corn silage production

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the application of two lactic acid bacteria and dry condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) in the making and preservation of corn silage. Forage corn materials are divided into eight treatment groups as follows: (i) control, (ii) B2 (Lactobacillus plantarum B2, 1 × 10⁹ cfu kg^-1 ), (iii) LAS (Lactobacillus buchneri 40788, 3 × 10⁸ cfu kg^-1 ), (iv) B2 + LAS, (v) CMS (35 g kg^-1 , fresh weight), (vi) B2 + CMS, (vii) LAS + CMS and (viii) B2 + LAS + CMS. The silage composition and aerobic stability are determined after ensiling for 90 days. Furthermore, the digestibility of the silage product and gas production are evaluated using a trotro digestion procedure.

RESULTS

The assay results indicate that the CMS supplementation and B2 inoculation significantly increased lactic acid concentration (P < 0.01). However, they also reduced the content of acetic acid and silage pH at the initial fermentation stage. The CMS supplemented with B2 (B2 + CMS) showed an improvement in the quality of silage, but a significant decrease in aerobic stability (P < 0.01). The B2 + LAS + CMS treatment yielded an increase in acetic acid production during the late fermentation period and is able to extend the aerobic stability of corn silage. Furthermore, this study shows that CMS supplementation alone can significantly improve the digestibility of the in vitro dry matter (P < 0.01) and the microbial protein synthesis efficiency (P = 0.01). In addition, the CMS supplementation is beneficial for enhancing the aerobic stability of corn silage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combination of CMS supplementation and a suitable inoculation lactic acid bacterial strain can be highly promising for enhancing the higher quality and stability of corn silage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Corn stover usage and farm profit for sustainable dairy farming in China

Objective

This study determined the optimal ratio of whole plant corn silage (WPCS) to corn stover (stems+leaves) silage (CSS) (WPCS:CSS) to reach the greatest profit of dairy farmers and evaluated its consequences with corn available for other purposes, enteric methane production and milk nitrogen efficiency (MNE) at varying milk production levels.

Methods

An optimization model was developed. Chemical composition, rumen undegradable protein and metabolizable energy (ME) of WPCS and CSS from 4 cultivars were determined to provide data for the model.

Results

At production levels of 0, 10, 20, and 30 kg milk/cow/d, the WPCS:CSS to maximize the profit of dairy farmers was 16:84, 22:78, 44:56, and 88:12, respectively, and the land area needed to grow corn plants was 4.5, 31.4, 33.4, and 30.3 ha, respectively. The amount of corn available (ton DM/ha/yr) for other purposes saved from this land area decreased with higher producing cows. However, compared with high producing cows (30 kg/d milk), more low producing cows (10 kg/d milk) and more land area to grow corn and soybeans was needed to produce the same total amount of milk. Extra land is available to grow corn for a higher milk production, leading to more corn available for other purposes. Increasing ME content of CSS decreased the land area needed, increased the profit of dairy farms and provided more corn available for other purposes. At the optimal WPCS:CSS, MNE and enteric methane production was greater, but methane production per kg milk was lower, for high producing cows.

Conclusion

The WPCS:CSS to maximize the profit for dairy farms increases with decreased milk production levels. At a fixed total amount of milk being produced, high producing cows increase corn available for other purposes. At the optimal WPCS:CSS, methane emission intensity is smaller and MNE is greater for high producing cows.

Co-ensiling garlic stalk with citrus pulp improves the fermentation quality and feed-nutritional value

Objective

Ensiling is a simple and effective method for long-term preservation; however, less information exists about the ensilability characteristics of garlic stalk (GS). Therefore, the objectives were to examine the ensiling feasibility of GS.

Methods

The GS was ensiled alone or inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum KU5 in the presence or absence of 5% molasses and ensiled for 7, 14, and 28 d. As an alternative storage method, GS was co-ensiled with wet citrus pulp (CP) at different proportions (GS:CP: 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60). Analysis was made on physicochemical, fermentative, and nutritional parameters.

Results

The GS was found to be a biomass which is difficult to ensile. A combination of microbial inoculant and molasses was successful in the improvement of the silage fermentation quality of GS. Co-ensiling of GS with wet CP at the mixing ratio of 50:50 provided the most desirable silage fermentation parameters, including the substantial lactic acid formation, low final pH, minor effluent loss, and the more favorable organoleptic properties.

Conclusion

Co-ensiling GS with CP appears to be a simple and viable method of conservation, enabling the more efficient utilization of these by-product resources over a prolonged period.

Effects of conservation period and Lactobacillus hilgardii inoculum on the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of whole corn and sorghum silages

BACKGROUND

Lactic acid bacteria inocula have been developed over the years to improve the aerobic stability of silages. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of various conservation periods and the use of Lactobacillus hilgardii inoculum on aerobic stability, fermentative profile and microbial population of corn and sorghum silages. Trials were carried out on two corns and one sorghum crops. The crops were untreated or treated with L. buchneri (LB, application rate 300 000 cfu g^-1 FM), L. hilgardii (LH, application rate 300 000 cfu g^-1 FM) and a combination (LB + LH, application rate 150 000 cfu g^-1 FM each). Silos were opened after 15, 30, 100 and 250 days of conservation, and the silages were analysed for fermentative profile, microbial count and aerobic stability.

RESULTS

During conservation, the inocula influenced the fermentation profile. The use of LH increased the aerobic stability at 15 and 30 days in one out of three trials, while after 100 and 250 days, the presence of LB alone or with LH led to greater stability. In all the trials, the acetic acid content increased, the yeast count decreased and the aerobic stability increased during the conservation period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that a long period in complete anaerobiosis reduced yeast count and improved aerobic stability in all silages. The addition of LB was confirmed to be a good option for increasing aerobic stability of silages, whereas the effect of LH alone or in combination with LB on aerobic stability was not consistent between trials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ensiling characteristics, in vitro rumen fermentation, microbial communities and aerobic stability of low-dry matter silages produced with sweet sorghum and alfalfa mixtures

BACKGROUND

Silages produced with grass and legume mixtures may have positive associative effects on silage quality and animal performance when ruminants are fed the silages. The present study aimed to determine the preservation characteristics, in vitro rumen fermentation profile and microbial abundance of silages, produced with mixtures of sweet sorghum (SS) and alfalfa (AF) in different ratios: 100:0 (Control), 75:25 (SA25), 50:50 (SA50), 25:75 (SA75) and 0:100 (SA100) on a fresh weight basis.

RESULTS

As the proportion of AF increased in the silages, pH, acetic acid, ammonia nitrogen and crude protein (CP) concentrations, and aerobic stability increased (P < 0.05), whereas lactic acid and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentrations decreased (P < 0.05). Increasing the proportion of AF in the silages, increased (P < 0.05) the in vitro degradability of dry matter and CP, as well as the proportions of genus Prevotella, but decreased (P < 0.05) the in vitro degradability of NDF (IVNDFD) and ADF (IVADFD) and proportions of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. Compared to the Control silage, SA25 silage had greater (P < 0.05) proportions of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, IVNDFD, IVADFD, ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbial protein concentrations, as well as lower (P < 0.05) methane production.

CONCLUSION

The silage produced with the SS to AF ratio of 75:25 was the most suitable for ruminants use as a result of the optimal balance of fermentation quality, feed-nutritional value and aerobic stability. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of applying oil-extracted microalgae on the fermentation quality, feed-nutritive value and aerobic stability of ensiled sweet sorghum

BACKGROUND

A laboratory-silo study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation quality, feed-nutritive value and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage with or without oil-extracted microalgae supplementation. Sweet sorghum was mixed with four microalgae levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 3% on a dry matter basis; control, M1, M2 and M3, respectively) and ensiled for 45 d. Further, the four experimental silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test lasting 7 d.

RESULTS

All the silages except M3 silage had good fermentative characteristics with low pH and ammonia nitrogen concentrations, and high lactic acid concentrations and favorable microbial parameters. Meanwhile, oil-extracted microalgae supplementation improved the feed-nutritional value of sweet sorghum silage. Fibre (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose) concentrations decreased, while dry matter and crude protein levels markedly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control (69.7 h), treatments M2 and M3 improved the aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage by 43.8% and more than 143% respectively, and decreased the clostridia spore counts during the stage of air exposure.

CONCLUSION

Sweet sorghum silage produced with 2% oil-extracted microalgae addition was the most suitable for animal use due to the optimal balance of fermentation quality, feed-nutritional value and aerobic stability, which merits further in vivo studies using grazing ruminants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of total mixed ration silages prepared with whole-plant corn (Zea mays L.) and hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) straw

This study was carried out to assess the effects of adding Lactobacillus plantarum, molasses or/and ethanol on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of total mixed ration (TMR) silage, which is well accepted in small-scale dairy farms in Tibet. Total mixed ration were ensiled in laboratory silos (1 L) and treated with (1) no additive (Control), (2) ethanol (E, 25 ml/kg fresh weight (FW)), (3) molasses (M, 30 g/kg FW); (4) Lactobacillus plantarum (L, 106cfu/g FW); (5) ethanol + molasses (EM); and (6) ethanol + Lactobacillus plantarum (EL). After 45 days of ensiling, six silos per treatment were opened for the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility analyses, whereas 18 silos were used for the aerobic stability test for the following 9 days. All TMR silages were well preserved with dominant lactic acid (LA), low pH and ammonia nitrogen, and negligible propionic and butyric acid. The L and EL silages had the lowest pH and highest LA concentrations. The addition of ethanol did not inhibit silage fermentation as there were no significant differences for the pH, LA, acetic acid, negligible propionic acid or ammonia nitrogen content, lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts between Control and the E silage. During the aerobic stability test, pH increased by 1.39, 1.67, 1.69 and 0.74 for the Control, M, L and EM silages, but only 0.40 and 0.34 for E and EL silages, respectively. Upon exposure to air, the LA concentration in the L silage was evidently (P < 0.05) decreased, whereas LA concentration in the EL silage remained the highest value after the third day of aerobic exposure. Mean populations of aerobic bacteria and yeast in the E and EL silages were lower (P < 0.05) than those of the Control. These findings suggested that L. plantarum is effective in improving fermentation quality of TMR silages. Although the addition of ethanol in our study did not depress the fermentation of the TMR silages, it showed potential to inhibit the aerobic spoilage of TMR silages, either alone or in combination with the L. plantarum. It is concluded that L. plantarum combined with ethanol not only ensures better fermentation but also could improve aerobic stability.

Effects of genotype, wilting, and additives on the nutritive value and fermentation of bermudagrass silage

Bermudagrass is the main warm-season grass species used for livestock production in the southeastern United States; however, when it is ensiled, the silage fermentation parameters are often less than desirable. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of management practices on the nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of bermudagrass silage. In Exp. 1, treatments were the factorial combinations of 2 bermudagrass genotypes, 'Jiggs' () and 'Tifton 85' ( sp.), 4 additives, and 2 DM concentrations at ensiling. The additives were 1) untreated control (deionized water), 2) Ecosyl, 3) B500, or 4) sugarcane molasses. The 2 DM concentrations at ensiling were low DM (22% DM) or high DM (53% DM). Treatments were replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design. Silage treated with molasses had a lesser ( < 0.05) pH and greater ( < 0.01) lactate concentrations than the control, Ecosyl, and B500 in silage with low DM concentrations and greater ( < 0.01) in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and lesser ( < 0.01) ADF concentrations than the other treatments at either DM concentration. Silage treated with B500 had the greatest ( < 0.01) aerobic stability, whereas that treated with molasses had the least aerobic stability. However, all treatments presented long aerobic stability (≥150 h). Jiggs had lesser ( < 0.01) ADF and NDF and NDF digestibility (NDFD) concentrations than Tifton 85 and Tifton 85 had greater ( < 0.01) IVTD than Jiggs in the silage with a high DM concentration. In Exp. 2, Jiggs silage treated with either molasses (20 g molasses [DM]/kg forage [as-fed basis]) or nothing (control, untreated silage) was fed to 16 beef heifers ( sp.) in individual drylot pens in a completely randomized design with 8 replicates for voluntary DMI, in vivo apparent DM digestibility, and NDFD evaluations. There were no differences ( = 0.36) among treatments in NDFD; however, there was a trend ( < 0.08) for greater in vivo apparent DM digestibility and DMI in heifers fed the molasses-treated silage. Microbial inoculants had decreased effects on Jiggs and Tifton 85 bermudagrass silage ensiled at a low DM concentration; however, adding molasses was an effective management practice to improve its nutritive value and fermentation characteristics.

Determination of the Use of Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii Application on Fermentation Profile and Chemical Composition of Corn Silage

Corn was inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii either independently or as a mixture at ensiling, in order to determine the effect of bacterial additives on corn silage quality. Grain corn was harvested at 32-37% of dry matter and ensiled in a 4 L laboratory silo. Forage was treated as follows: bacterial types: B0 (without bacteria-control), B1 (L. plantarum), B2 (P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii), and B3 (combination of L. plantarum and P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii). Each 2 kg of chopped forage was treated with 10 mL of bacterial culture and allowed to ferment for 27 days. The first experiment determined the most suitable wavelength for detection of bacteria (490 nm and 419 nm for B1 and B2, resp.) and the preferable inoculation size (1 × 105 cfu/g). The second experiment analysed the effect of B1 and B2 applied singly or as a mixture on the fermentation characteristics and quality of corn silage. L. plantarum alone increased crude protein (CP) and reduced pH rapidly. In a mixture with P. freudenreichii, the final pH was the lowest compared to other treatments. As a mixture, inclusion of bacteria resulted in silage with lower digestibility than control. Corn silage treated with L. plantarum or P. freudenreichii either alone or mixed together produced desirable silage properties; however, this was not significantly better than untreated silage.

Effect of different levels of corn steep liquor addition on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of fresh rice straw silage

The object of this study was to determine the proper mixing ratio of fresh rice straw to corn steep liquor (CSL) to obtain a high protein content silage feed. The following experimental silages were generated: the control (C1), composed of fresh rice straw without CSL additive, mixed with CSL in the ratios of 4:1 (C4), 3:1 (C3) and 2:1 (C2). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant was applied at the rate of 50 mL/kg (fresh basis) of forage to achieve a final application rate of 1 × 10⁶ cfu/g of fresh matter (FM). Duplicate silos for each treatment were opened after 0, 3, 7, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 d for microbiological and chemical analysis. The results showed that the addition of CSL significantly increased crude protein (CP) contents, and decreased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of treatments after 60 d of ensiling (P < 0.05). The lactic acid contents in C4 and C3 were significantly higher than that in C1 (P < 0.05). In summary, mixing fresh rice straw with CSL at addition levels of 4:1 (C4) and 3:1 (C3) can improve the fermentation quality and nutrient composition of fresh rice straw silage. However, a large proportion of CSL (C3) had a negative impact on the aerobic stability of fresh rice straw.

Effect of microbial inoculant or molasses on fermentative quality and aerobic stability of sawdust-based spent mushroom substrate

In the first experiment, the effect of two novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains was studied on the fermentation of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) through 10d of ensiling. Based on lactic acid production and lactic acid bacteria population, L. plantarum KU5 was identified as the best strain for fermentation with a 5-L bag silo. Spent mushroom substrate was ensiled with 0.5% (v/w) L. plantarum KU5 without or with 5% molasses. Silages treated with microbial inoculant and molasses had the lowest pH and the highest fermentative odors. In a second set of experiments similar to the above 5-L silo study, the simultaneous application of L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses to 80-L silos improved fermentability and aerobic stability of SMS silages. For similar treatment using ton-bag silos, aerobic stability decreased and NH3-N content increased dramatically. In conclusion, sawdust-based SMS for animal use was successfully ensiled with L. plantarum KU5 inoculant and molasses.

Effects of different source additives and wilt conditions on the pH value, aerobic stability, and carbohydrate and protein fractions of alfalfa silage

To improve the silage quality and reduce the silage additive cost, the present experiment was designed to evaluate the potential of applying the fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) as an additive in alfalfa silage. The effects of FJLB on the fermentation quality, carbohydrate and protein fractions, and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage wilted under five different conditions were investigated and compared with commercial lactic acid bacteria (CLAB) and the control. The FJLB application decreased the pH value, the volatile fatty acids and non-protein nitrogen content, and the loss of sugar by 9.9%, 22.9%, 19.6% and 9.6%, respectively; it increased the lactic acid concentration by 29.5% and the aerobic stability by 17 h in comparison to the control. The FJLB application also decreased the pH value (4.44 vs. 4.66) and volatile fatty acid content (38.32 vs. 44.82) and increased the lactic acid concentration (68.99 vs. 63.29) in comparison to the CLAB-treated silage. However, the FJLB treatment had lower aerobic stability (254 h vs. 274 h) than the CLAB treatment. The FJLB application improved silage quality in comparison to the control; in addition, its effect as a fermentation stimulant may be comparable to or even better than CLAB.

Effects of applying lactic acid bacteria to the fermentation on a mixture of corn steep liquor and air-dried rice straw

This study was to determine the fermentation quality of a mixture of corn steep liquor (CSL) (178 g/kg wet basis) and air-dried rice straw (356 g/kg wet basis) after being treated with inoculants of different types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The treatments included the addition of no LAB additive (control), which was deionized water; homo-fermentative LAB alone (^hoLAB), which was Lactobacillus plantarum alone), and a mixture of homo-fermentative and hetero-fermentative LAB (^he + hoLAB), which were L. plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus buchneri. The results showed that the inoculation of the mixture of CSL and air-dried rice straw with ^he + hoLAB significantly increased the concentration of acetic acid and lactic acid compared with the control (P < 0.05). The addition of ^he + hoLAB effectively inhibited the growth of yeast in the silage. The concentration of total lactic acid bacteria in the ^he + hoLAB-treated silage was significant higher than those obtained in other groups (P < 0.05). The duration of the aerobic stability of the silages increased from 56 h to >372 h. The control group was the first to spoil, whereas the silage treated with ^he + hoLAB remained stable throughout the 372 h period of monitoring. The results demonstrated that the ^he + hoLAB could effectively improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of the silage.

Effects of applying molasses, lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production of total mixed ration silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop on the Tibetan Plateau

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of molasses, lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production of total mixed ration (TMR) silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop on the Tibetan plateau. TMR (436 g kg(-1) dry matter (DM)) was ensiled with six experimental treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) molasses (M); (3) an inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum) (L); (4) propionic acid (P); (5) molasses + propionic acid (MP); (6) inoculant + propionic acid (LP).

RESULT

All silages were well preserved with low pH (< 4.19) and NH3-N contents, and high lactic acid contents after ensiling for 45 days. L and PL silages underwent a more efficient fermentation than silages without L. P and MP silages inhibited lactic acid production. Under aerobic conditions, M and L silage reduced aerobic stability for 15 and 74 h, respectively. All silages that had propionic acid in their treatments markedly (P < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability. After 72 h incubation, all additives treatments increased (P < 0.05) the 72 h cumulative gas production and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) as compared with the control. L treatment decreased (P < 0.05) in vitro neutral detergent fibre degradability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that TMR prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop can be well preserved. Although propionic acid is compatible with lactic acid bacteria, and when used together, they had minor effects on fermentation, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of TMR silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop.

Effect of applying lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage on the Tibetan plateau

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage by using a small-scale fermentation system on the Tibetan plateau. (i) An inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum) (L) or (ii) propionic acid (P) or (iii) inoculant + propionic acid (PL) were used as additives. After fermenting for 60 days, silos were opened and the aerobic stability was tested for the following 15 days. The results showed that all silages were well preserved with low pH and NH3 -N, and high lactic acid content and V-scores. L and PL silages showed higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid and crude protein content than the control silage. P silage inhibited lactic acid production. Under aerobic conditions, L silage had similar yeast counts as the control silage (> 10(5) cfu/g fresh matter (FM)); however, it numerically reduced aerobic stability for 6 h. P and PL silages showed fewer yeasts (< 10(5) cfu/g FM) (P < 0.05) and markedly improved the aerobic stability (> 360 h). The result suggested that PL is the best additive as it could not only improved fermentation quality, but also aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage on the Tibetan plateau.

Effect of microbial inoculants on the quality and aerobic stability of bermudagrass round-bale haylage

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of using 4 commercially available microbial inoculants to improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of bermudagrass haylage. We hypothesized that the microbial inoculants would increase the fermentation and aerobic stability of the haylages. Bermudagrass (4-wk regrowth) was harvested and treated with (1) deionized water (control); (2) Buchneri 500 (B500; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI) containing 1×10(5) of Pediococcus pentosaceus and 4×10(5) of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788; (3) Biotal Plus II (BPII; Lallemand Animal Nutrition) containing 1.2×10(5) of P. pentosaceus and Propionibacteria freudenreichii; (4) Silage Inoculant II (SI; AgriKing Inc., Fulton, IL) containing 1×10(5) of Lactobacillus plantarum and P. pentosaceus; and (5) Silo King (SK; AgriKing Inc.), containing 1×10(5) of L. plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, and P. pentosaceus, respectively. Forty round bales (8 per treatment; 441±26kg; 1.2×1.2 m diameter) were made and each was wrapped with 7 layers of plastic. Twenty bales were stored for 112 d and the remaining 20 were stored for 30 d and sampled by coring after intermediary storage periods of 0, 3, 7, and 30 d. The pH of control and inoculated haylages sampled on d 3 did not differ. However, B500 and BPII had lower pH (5.77±0.04 vs. 6.16±0.04; 5.06±0.13 vs. 5.52±0.13) than other treatments by d 7 and 30, respectively. At final bale opening on d 112, all treatments had lower pH than the control haylage (4.77±0.07 vs. 5.37±0.07). The B500, BPII, and SI haylages had greater lactic acid and lactic-to-acetic acid ratios than SK and control haylages. No differences were detected in neutral detergent fiber digestibility, dry matter losses, dry matter, lactic and acetic acid concentrations, and yeast and coliform counts. The SK haylage had lower clostridia counts compared with the control (1.19±0.23 vs. 1.99±0.23 cfu/g). Treatments B500, BPII, SI, and SK tended to reduce mold counts and they improved aerobic stability by 236, 197, 188, and 95%, respectively, compared with the control (276±22 vs. 99±22h).

Effects of 8 chemical and bacterial additives on the quality of corn silage

This project aimed to evaluate the effects 8 additives on the fermentation, dry matter (DM) losses, nutritive value, and aerobic stability of corn silage. Corn forage harvested at 31% DM was chopped (10mm) and treated with (1) deionized water (control); (2) Buchneri 500 (BUC; 1×10(5) cfu/g of Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455 and 4×10(5) cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI); (3) sodium benzoate (BEN; 0.1% of fresh forage); (4) Silage Savor acid mixture (SAV: 0.1% of fresh forage; Kemin Industries Inc., Des Moines, IA); (5) 1×10(6) cfu/g of Acetobacter pasteurianus-ATCC 9323; (6) 1×10(6) cfu/g of Gluconobacter oxydans-ATCC 621; (7) Ecosyl 200T (1×10(5) cfu/g of Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1; Ecosyl Products Inc., Byron, IL); (8) Silo-King WS (1.5×10(5) cfu/g of L. plantarum, P. pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium; Agri-King, Fulton, IL); and (9) Biomax 5 (BIO; 1×10(5) cfu/g of L. plantarum PA-28 and K-270; Chr. Hansen Animal Health and Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI). Treated forage was ensiled in quadruplicate in mini silos at a density of 172 kg of DM/m(3) for 3 and 120 d. After 3 d of ensiling, the pH of all silages was below 4 but ethanol concentrations were least in BEN silage (2.03 vs. 3.24% DM) and lactic acid was greatest in SAV silage (2.97 vs. 2.51% DM). Among 120-d silages, additives did not affect DM recovery (mean=89.8% ± 2.27) or in vitro DM digestibility (mean=71.5% ± 0.63). The SAV silage had greater ammonia-N (0.85 g/kg of DM) and butyric acid (0.22 vs. 0.0% DM) than other treatments. In contrast, BEN and Silo-King silages had the least ammonia-N concentration and had no butyric acid. The BEN and A. pasteurianus silages had the lowest pH (3.69) and BEN silage had the least ethanol (1.04% DM) and ammonia nitrogen (0.64 g/kg DM) concentrations, suggesting that fermentation was more extensive and protein degradation was less in BEN silages. The BUC and BIO silages had greater acetic acid concentrations than control silages (3.19 and 3.19 vs. 2.78% DM), but yeast counts did not differ. Aerobic stability was increased by 64% by BUC (44.30 h) and by 35% by BEN (36.49 h), but other silages had similar values (27.0±1.13 h).

Effects of fermented persimmon extract supplements on chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of barley silage

This study was conducted to estimate the effect of fermented persimmon extract (FPE) supplementation levels on chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of barley silage. Barley forage was harvested at 25% dry matter and chopped to 5 cm lengths. The FPE was applied at 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg of barley forage (fresh weight basis). After sub-sampling of barley forages (0 day), a total of 64 laboratory mini silos (5 kg capacity) were ensiled to generate quadruplicate data from each of four treatments for four ensiling durations (2, 6, 40 and 120 days). The chemical compositions and in vitro digestibility of barley forage (0 day) were not affected by FPE supplementation. However, the content (L, P = 0.035) and in vitro digestibility (L, P = 0.041) of neutral detergent fiber on 120-day barley silage decreased by increasing FPE supplements. Acetate content of barley silage ensiled for 120 days increased (Q, P = 0.004) by increasing FPE supplements, whereas pH (L, P < 0.001), lactate content (Q, P < 0.001) and lactate-to-acetate ratio (Q, P < 0.001) decreased. These results indicate that addition of FPE can increase the acetate content which has potential to increase aerobic stability.

Effect of a dual-purpose inoculant on the quality and nutrient losses from corn silage produced in farm-scale silos

This project aimed to determine effects of applying an inoculant containing homofermentative and heterofermentative bacteria on the fermentation, nutritive value, aerobic stability, and nutrient losses from corn silage produced in farm-scale silos. Corn forage was harvested at 34% dry matter (DM) and treated without (control) or with 5 × 10⁵ cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus. The inoculant was sprayed on alternate 8-row-wide swaths of forage, and the untreated and inoculated forages were alternately packed into 3.6-m-wide bag silos. Forty-five tonnes of corn forage were packed into each of 4 replicate bags per treatment and ensiled for 166 d. Silage removed from the bags (500 kg/d) was separated into good and spoiled (visibly moldy or darker) silage portions, and weighed for 35 d. Weekly composites were analyzed for chemical composition, aerobic stability, and fungal counts. Aerobic stability was measured using data loggers that recorded sample and ambient temperature every 30 min for 7 d. Inoculation did not affect the chemical composition of the spoiled or good silage but decreased the quantity (5.7 vs. 12.9 kg/d) and percentage (3.4 vs. 7.8) of spoiled silage in the bags by over 50%. Losses of crude protein (0.28 vs. 0.92 kg/d), gross energy (6.0 × 10⁴ vs. 1.8 × 10⁵ kJ/d), and neutral detergent fiber (1.34 vs. 4.12 kg/d) in spoiled silage were less in inoculated versus control silages. Inoculated silages had lower pH (3.91 vs. 3.99), lactate concentration (7.63 vs. 7.86%), lactate:acetate ratio (1.58 vs. 2.53%), and a greater acetate (5.11 vs. 3.56%) concentration than the control silage. Inoculated silages tended to have fewer yeasts (2.59 vs. 4.62 log cfu/g) than control silages, but aerobic stability was not different across treatments (14.7 vs. 9.5 h). Applying the inoculant made the fermentation more heterolactic, inhibited the growth of yeasts, and substantially reduced the amount of spoilage and the associated energy and nutrient losses.

The effects of additives in napier grass silages on chemical composition, feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation

The effect of silage additives on ensiling characteristics and nutritive value of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silages was studied. Napier grass silages were made with no additive, fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB), molasses or cassava meal. The ensiling characteristics were determined by ensiling Napier grass silages in airtight plastic pouches for 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 45 d. The effect of Napier grass silages treated with these additives on voluntary feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial rumen fermentation was determined in 4 fistulated cows using 4×4 Latin square design. The pH value of the treated silages rapidly decreased, and reached to the lowest value within 7 d of the start of fermentation, as compared to the control. Lactic acid content of silages treated with FJLB was stable at 14 d of fermentation and constant until 45 d of ensiling. At 45 d of ensiling, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of silage treated with cassava meal were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the others. In the feeding trial, the intake of silage increased (p<0.05) in the cow fed with the treated silage. Among the treatments, dry matter intake was the lowest in the silage treated with cassava meal. The organic matter, crude protein and NDF digestibility of the silage treated with molasses was higher than the silage without additive and the silage treated with FJLB. The rumen parameters: ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and bacterial populations were not significantly different among the treatments. In conclusion, these studies confirmed that the applying of molasses improved fermentative quality, feed intake and digestibility of Napier grass.

Effect of applying bacterial inoculants containing different types of bacteria to corn silage on the performance of dairy cattle

This study examined the effect of applying different bacterial inoculants to corn silage at the time of ensiling on the performance of lactating dairy cows. Corn plants were harvested at 35% dry matter (DM), chopped, and ensiled in 2.4-m-wide bags after application of (1) no inoculant (CON); (2) Biotal Plus II (B2) containing Pediococcus pentosaceus and Propionibacteria freudenreichii; (3) Buchneri 40788 (BUC) containing Lactobacillus buchneri; or (4) Buchneri 500 (B500) containing Pediococcus pentosaceus and L. buchneri. All inoculants were supplied by Lallemand Animal Nutrition (Milwaukee, WI). Each of the 4 silages was included in separate total mixed rations consisting of 44% corn silage, 50% concentrate, and 6% alfalfa hay (DM basis). Fifty-two lactating Holstein cows were stratified according to milk production and parity and randomly assigned at 22 d in milk to the 4 dietary treatments. Cows were fed for ad libitum consumption and milked twice daily for 49 d. Dietary treatment did not affect intakes (kg/d) of DM (20.0), crude protein (CP; 3.7), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 5.7), or acid detergent fiber (ADF; 3.6), or digestibility (%) of DM (73.9) or CP (72.4). However, NDF digestibility was lower in cows fed B2 compared with those fed other diets (45.3 vs. 53.0%). Consequently, cows fed B2 had lower digestible NDF intake (kg/d) than those fed other diets (2.5 vs. 3.0 kg/d). Dietary treatment did not affect milk yield (32.3 kg/d), efficiency of milk production (1.61), concentrations of milk fat (3.18%) and protein (2.79%), or yields of milk fat (1.03 kg/d) and protein (1.26 kg/d). Inoculant application to corn silage did not affect milk yield or feed intake of cows.