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Background: Silage emits climate- and environment-relevant gases during anaerobic fermentation and aerobic feed-out periods. This trial should determine the unknown CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, ethanol and ethyl acetate emissions of constant maize silage over both periods. The results will be published in two consecutive articles (Part A: anaerobic fermentation period; Part B: aerobic storage period). Methods: Three silage treatments were observed (n = 4): The untreated control (CON) was compared to the chemical additive treatment (CHE; 0.5 g sodium benzoate and 0.3 g potassium sorbate per kg fresh matter) and the biological additive treatment (BIO; 1 × 108 colony-forming units Lentilactobacillus buchneri and 1 × 107 colony-forming units Lactiplantibacillus plantarum per kg fresh matter). During the two aerobic emission measurement periods (AEMP), the silos were ventilated mechanically to supply 2–6 (L air) min–1 to the two faces of the material (150.6 kg dry matter m–3). AEMP1 (duration 14 days) began on ensiling day 30, AEMP2 (19 days) on day 135. Results: In AEMP1, aerobic stability differed among the treatments (p < 0.05): 5.17 ± 0.75 days for CON, 6.33 ± 0.15 days for BIO, and 7.33 ± 0.57 days for CHE. In AEMP2, only CON showed a temperature increase of 2 K above ambient temperature after 7.75 ± 0.31 days. BIO and CHE indicated higher ethanol and ethyl acetate emission rates during the first period of the heating process. Furthermore, 20.0%–70.4% of ethanol and 169.0%–953.6% of ethyl acetate quantities present in the material at the silo opening emitted as gases. Conclusion: Methane and nitrous oxide emissions during anaerobic fermentation exceeded the quantities during aerobic storage in all treatments. However, compared with those of crop production, the total climate-relevant CO2eq emissions are small. Microbial respiration during heating leads to climate-neutral CO2 emissions and dry matter losses. Minimising these losses is promising for mitigating climate-relevant emissions directly during silage storage and indirectly during crop production since less forage input is needed. Thus, silage additives can help improve the silage carbon footprint by improving aerobic stability and silage deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the effect of homo (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC 0020) and hetero (Limosilactobacillus fermentum BN21) fermentative lactic acid bacteria on chemical compositions, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and ruminal digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage. The sorghum forage was harvested at the milk ripening phase with a dry matter content of 25.6% and fermented for 100 days with different inoculants: treatments without inoculant (CON), L. plantarum (LP), L. fermentum (LF) as well as a mixture of LP and LF at a ratio of 1:1 (MIX). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 5 replications per treatment, and all inoculants were applied at 105 cfu/g of fresh forage. The results showed that LF silage caused a 66.3% reduction in cyanide acid content, the lowest mold count, and longer aerobic stability compared to LP and CON. The lowest pH (p<0.05) and highest organic matter digestibility (p<0.05) were obtained on LP silage, while the CON silage showed no significant difference. The LP and LF silage showed the highest total volatile fatty acid (p<0.05), while there was no significant between CON and others. The LF silage had the highest acetate and the lowest propionate (p<0.05). These results showed that L. fermentum was more effective in decreasing cyanide acid content and increasing the aerobic stability of sorghum silage, while L. plantarum was able to lower pH and reduce ammonia concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fodder tree species are considered to have high nutritional value and have always played a significant role in feeding livestock during the dry seasons. The study was conducted to explore the possibility of preserving chopped Vachellia nilotica shoots as silage. Edible plant material of V. nilotica were harvested, chopped and ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic glass jars under laboratory conditions with four treatment applications: control, shoots + seedpods, shoots + molasses, and shoots + molasses + seedpods. Three jars per treatment were opened at Days 3, 7, 21 and 60 to determine fermentation characteristics, and subjected to a five-day aerobic stability test at Day 60. Thereafter samples were analysed for chemical composition, mineral nutrients, fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability. Dry matter content of V. nilotica differed (p < 0.05) at ensiling with an average of 433 g kg−1 DM, CP (70–81 g kg−1 DM), ADF (360–426 g kg−1 DM), aNDF (468–524 g kg−1 DM) and pH (4.3–5.0) at Day 60. Butyric acid was < 0.1 g kg−1 DM, acetic acid (4–6 g kg−1 DM) and propionic acid was not detected. These findings demonstrated that V. nilotica edible parts can be effectively preserved as legume silage to bridge the dry season gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Weak aerobic stability is a notable challenge for whole-plant corn silage, particularly in hot and humid regions. Acetobacter is commonly regarded as an indicator of aerobic deterioration in silage, yet its precise role in fermentation and during aerobic exposure, as well as the factors that promote its growth, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this study, whole-plant corn silage was prepared using a bagged method with controlled dry matter (DM) content at 20%, 25%, and 30%, and initial concentrations of A. pasteurianus at 40%, 50%, and 60%. The silage was stored for 60 days under varying temperatures (20°C, 30°C, and 40°C). Following the anaerobic storage phase, the silage was exposed to air at room temperature (20-25°C) for 7 days, both with and without A. pasteurianus inoculation. Results: The results demonstrated that A. pasteurianus did not impact the nutritional value of the silage during anaerobic fermentation, maintaining a low pH (< 3.80). However, during aerobic exposure, the presence of A. pasteurianus significantly reduced the aerobic stability of the silage. The microbial community shifted from primarily Klebsiella species initially to Lactobacillus and Acetobacter species post-ensiling. During the aerobic exposure phase, A. pasteurianus and A. fabarum became the dominant species. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) analysis identified optimal conditions for the proliferation of A. pasteurianus during the aerobic phase, which occurred at 28°C, 25% DM, and 52% initial concentration at 3 ml/kg. Discussion: These findings confirm that A. pasteurianus plays a critical role in reducing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage. Additionally, the study identifies the optimal conditions that favor the proliferation of A. pasteurianus , offering valuable insights for the development of strategies to prevent and control this bacterium, thereby improving the aerobic stability of silage in hot and humid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, the aim was to examine the impact of freeze-dried kefir culture (KC) on fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, nutritive value, in vitro digestibility, some micro- and macronutrient concentration, and fatty acid (FA) composition of white clover (WC) silages. White clover silages were either uninoculated (Con) or inoculated with KC at the following application rates: 10 mg/kg (K10), 50 mg/kg (K50), 100 mg/kg (K100) on a fresh basis, and ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 270 days, followed by 5 days of aerobic exposure. Changes in fermentation characteristics and nutritive value, in vitro digestibility and gas production (GP), mineral concentrations, and FA composition were assessed in terminal silages. The results showed that KC could effectively reduce neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and ammonia-N contents. The increased acetic acid content of KC-treated silages improved aerobic stability. Freeze-dried kefir culture made no significant difference in cumulative GP and estimated parameters except for 48 and 72 h. It is evidently clear from the findings that KC reduced the K, Na, Se, and B concentrations of WC silages, whereas Ca, Zn, and Fe concentrations increased. In addition, KC significantly increased the proportion of saturated FA (SFA) in WC silages, whereas the proportion of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) decreased. However, KC did not significantly affect the monounsaturated FA proportion of WC silages. Overall, it is concluded that adding 50–100 mg/kg of KC on a fresh basis is appropriate to improve the nutritional value of WC silages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current research was to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase supplementation on the chemical composition, fermentation parameters, aerobic stability, microbial count, and in vitro nutrients digestibility of silage prepared with Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw. This study consisted of four treatments: a control group with no additive supplementation (CON), a lactic acid bacteria supplementation group (LAB), a cellulase supplementation group (CEL), and a combined supplementation group (LAC). After ensiling for 60 d, the chemical composition, fermentation parameters, microbial count, and aerobic stability were determined. Additionally, ruminal fermentation characteristics were evaluated by an in vitro incubation technique. Compared with CON silage, the quality of LAB and CEL silages was enhanced to a certain degree. Combined supplementation with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase in mixed silage of Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw noticeably increased (p < 0.05) the dry matter, crude protein, and lactic acid contents, whereas it reduced (p < 0.05) the pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen as well as the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations. The lactic acid bacteria count in LAC silage was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON silage, whereas an opposite trend of yeast, aerobic bacteria, and mold was observed between the two groups. The aerobic stability time, in vitro crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility in LAC silage were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with those in CON silage. Moreover, the in vitro ruminal ammonia nitrogen content was reduced (p < 0.05), and the microbial protein and propionic acid concentrations were increased (p < 0.05) in silage after combined inoculation with additives. Taken together, the quality of Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw mixed silage can be improved by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase, and combined supplementation shows the greatest improvement in silage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Silage emits climate- and environment-relevant gases during anaerobic fermentation and aerobic feed-out periods. This trial should determine the unknown CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, ethanol and ethyl acetate emissions of constant maize silage over both periods. The results will be published in two consecutive articles (Part A: anaerobic fermentation period; Part B: aerobic storage period). Methods Three silage treatments were observed (n = 4): The untreated control (CON) was compared to the chemical additive treatment (CHE; 0.5 g sodium benzoate and 0.3 g potassium sorbate per kg fresh matter) and the biological additive treatment (BIO; 1 × 108 colony-forming units Lentilactobacillus buchneri and 1 × 107 colony-forming units Lactiplantibacillus plantarum per kg fresh matter). During the two aerobic emission measurement periods (AEMP), the silos were ventilated mechanically to supply 2–6 (L air) min–1 to the two faces of the material (150.6 kg dry matter m–3). AEMP1 (duration 14 days) began on ensiling day 30, AEMP2 (19 days) on day 135. Results In AEMP1, aerobic stability differed among the treatments (p

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of different ratios of composite organic acids on the silage quality, aerobic stability, and microbial population of hybrid Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. The experiment was divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group. The addition amounts of compound organic acids in control group and experimental groups were 0, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively. The silage was stored for 60 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the dry matter, crude protein, soluble carbohydrate content, and relative feeding value of the 1.0% composite organic acid group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of neutral detergent fiber was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the acid detergent fiber content of the 1.0% and 2.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the ash content of the 0.5% and 1.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The pH value and the ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen of the 1.0% and 2.0% composite organic acid groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the lactic acid content of the 1.0% composite organic acid group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the acetic acid content of the 0.5% composite organic acid group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the acetic acid content of the 1.0% and 2.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the propionic acid content of the 1.0% composite organic acid group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the butyric acid content of the 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the aerobic stability and lactic acid bacteria count of the 0.5% and 1.0% composite organic acid groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), the yeast count of the 1.0% and 2.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the aerobic bacteria count of the 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% composite organic acid groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study shows that adding composite organic acids during the silage process can improve the nutritional value and fermentation quality of hybrid Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng, with the 1.0% composite organic acid group showing the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of gases, temperature, fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and aerobic stability of Tanzânia grass haylage wrapped in films of different thicknesses. Gas production and temperature were evaluated on storage days in 4 × 5 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 µm and five storage times: 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days). Fermentation characteristics were evaluated in 4 × 4 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 µm and four storage times: 7, 15, 30 and 60 days). Aerobic stability was evaluated in 4 × 3 factorial scheme (four films: 27, 10, 11 and 13 µm and three times of exposure to air: 0, 48 and 96 h). The lowest pH value of the evaluated haylages was found at 60 days. The largest population of lactic acid bacteria and smallest populations of enterobacteria were observed in the haylage wrapped in the film of 13 µm at 60 days. The haylage wrapped in the film of 13 µm had the highest values of dry matter and crude protein. When using Tanzânia grass for haylage making, it is recommended to use the polyvinyl chloride film of 13 µm and storage time of 60 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Weak aerobic stability is a notable challenge for whole-plant corn silage, particularly in hot and humid regions. Acetobacter is commonly regarded as an indicator of aerobic deterioration in silage, yet its precise role in fermentation and during aerobic exposure, as well as the factors that promote its growth, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this study, whole-plant corn silage was prepared using a bagged method with controlled dry matter (DM) content at 20%, 25%, and 30%, and initial concentrations of A. pasteurianus at 40%, 50%, and 60%. The silage was stored for 60 days under varying temperatures (20°C, 30°C, and 40°C). Following the anaerobic storage phase, the silage was exposed to air at room temperature (20-25°C) for 7 days, both with and without A. pasteurianus inoculation. Results: The results demonstrated that A. pasteurianus did not impact the nutritional value of the silage during anaerobic fermentation, maintaining a low pH (< 3.80). However, during aerobic exposure, the presence of A. pasteurianus significantly reduced the aerobic stability of the silage. The microbial community shifted from primarily Klebsiella species initially to Lactobacillus and Acetobacter species post-ensiling. During the aerobic exposure phase, A. pasteurianus and A. fabarum became the dominant species. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) analysis identified optimal conditions for the proliferation of A. pasteurianus during the aerobic phase, which occurred at 28°C, 25% DM, and 52% initial concentration at 3 ml/kg. Discussion: These findings confirm that A. pasteurianus plays a critical role in reducing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage. Additionally, the study identifies the optimal conditions that favor the proliferation of A. pasteurianus, offering valuable insights for the development of strategies to prevent and control this bacterium, thereby improving the aerobic stability of silage in hot and humid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to assess microbial inoculants (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri), chemical additives (natamycin and hexanoic acid), and their combination on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability in total mixed ration (TMR) silage. The TMR consisted of 30% water bamboo shell (WBS), 10% alfalfa, 20% rice straw, and 40% concentrate. There were six treatments as follows: (1) deionized water (control, CON). (2) lactic acid bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Lentilactobacillus buchneri; LPB, 1 × 106 cfu/g FW). (3) natamycin (NT, 0.02 g/kg FW). (4) hexanoic acid (HA, 0.02 g/kg FW). (5) lactic acid bacteria + natamycin (SLNT, 0.02 g/kg FW). (6) lactic acid bacteria + hexanoic acid (SLHA, 0.02 g/kg FW). After fermentation, laboratory silos (10 L) were opened to assess fermentation quality, followed by a 6-day aerobic stability test. The results showed that all silages were well fermented with high lactic acid (LA) content, low ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and negligible butyric acid (BA) levels. Among all silages, SLNT silage exhibited the greatest LA, acetic acid (AA) levels, LAB counts, and the lowest pH and NH3-N. For aerobic stability, all additives significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced aerobic stability, delayed (p < 0.05) the decrease in LA and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and the increase in pH, and significantly (p < 0.05) minimized yeast proliferation. The SLNT silage showed the best aerobic stability, with SLHA, NT, HA, and LPB following. In conclusion, SLNT is recommended as the optimal additive in improving the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of TMR silage, with SLHA, NT, HA, and LPB following. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Under the shortage of roughage resources in China, Silphium perfoliatum L. (SP) can be an ideal roughage choice for ruminants and has good application prospects. Ensiling is an efficient forage treatment technology for retaining the nutrients and extending the shelf life of forage. At present, there have been no reports on the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri, whether alone or in combination, on Silphium perfoliatum L. silage. Therefore, in this experiment, L. plantarum and L. buchneri were added individually or combined to SP-silage to investigate the effects of different fermentation types of Lactobacilli on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of SP-silage. It was found that a mixture of L. plantarum and L. buchneri provided the best silage results. L. buchneri can be used as an additive to improve the aerobic stability of SP-silage. The results of our research provide a certain scientific basis and technical support for obtaining high-quality SP-silage in production. In this experiment, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri were added individually or in combination to Silphium perfoliatum L. (SP) silage to investigate the effects of different fermentation types of lactobacilli on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of SP-silage, with a view to providing a certain scientific basis and technical support for obtaining high-quality SP-silage in production. The experiment comprised a non-additive group (control), an L. plantarum group (LP), an L. buchneri group (LB), and an L. plantarum and L. buchneri mixed treatment group (LPLB). Samples were taken after 60 days of fermentation and analyzed for the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of the SP-silage. The results showed that the addition of LP, LB, and LPLB significantly reduced the pH and proportion of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen and significantly increased the lactic acid, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro crude protein digestibility in the SP-silage (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the dry matter and crude protein contents of the LB and LPLB groups were significantly increased, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The SP-silage supplemented with LPLB had the highest dry matter and crude protein contents. The gross and digestible energies of the SP-silage in the LB and LPLB groups were significantly higher than those in the control and LP groups (p < 0.05). The aerobic stability of the SP-silage was significantly reduced by 24.14% in the LP group and increased by 58.62% and 34.48% in the LB and LPLB groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It was shown that adding a combination of LP and LB resulted in the best fermentation quality, nutritional value, and in vitro digestibility of the SP-silage. LB was effective in improving the aerobic stability of SP-silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop new feed resources, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content, additives, and their interactions on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of mixed silage of amaranth and cornmeal. The mass ratios of amaranth and cornmeal were 69:31, 76:24, and 84:16 for adjusting the moisture content of silage to 60% (W1), 65% (W2), and 70% (W3), respectively. The silage treatments included no additives (U), the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum (L), the addition of cellulase (E), and the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) mixed reagents. The results revealed that the pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/TN) ratios were significantly lower in W1 than in W2 and W3 (3.66,19.3 g kg−1 TN vs. 3.70, 3.70, 20.0 kg−1 TN, 25.1 kg−1 TN, p < 0.05). Moreover, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (ivOMD), and in vitro crude protein digestibility (ivCPD) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the aerobic stability of mixed silage containing amaranth and cornmeal decreased with increasing water content. The aerobic stability of the L, E, and M treatment groups was improved by 15, 105, and 111 h, respectively, compared with that of the control group at W1. The pH and NH3-N/TN ratios were lower with the addition of E (E and M) than with the absence of E (U and L) (3.73, 20.1 g kg−1 DM vs. 3.64, 22.9 g kg−1 DM, p < 0.05). NDF and ADF were significantly lower with the addition of E than without the addition of E (598 g kg−1 DM, 145 g kg−1 DM vs. 632 g kg−1 DM, 160 g kg−1 DM, p < 0.05). However, CP, ivDMD, ivOMD, and ivCPD were significantly higher (p < 0.05). AA and NH3-N/TN were significantly lower (p < 0.05) with the addition of L (L and M) than without the addition of L (U and E). In conclusion, the best fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of amaranth and cornmeal mixed silage treated with Lactobacillus plantarum + cellulase (M) were achieved at 60% water content. The present study confirmed the potential of amaranth as silage and its potential application for improving feed quality and animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the effect of homo (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC 0020) and hetero (Limosilactobacillus fermentum BN21) fermentative lactic acid bacteria on chemical compositions, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and ruminal digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage. The sorghum forage was harvested at the milk ripening phase with a dry matter content of 25.6% and fermented for 100 days with different inoculants: treatments without inoculant (CON), L. plantarum (LP), L. fermentum (LF) as well as a mixture of LP and LF at a ratio of 1:1 (MIX). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 5 replications per treatment, and all inoculants were applied at 105 cfu/g of fresh forage. The results showed that LF silage caused a 66.3% reduction in cyanide acid content, the lowest mold count, and longer aerobic stability compared to LP and CON. The lowest pH (p

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of a composite microbial strain on the nutritional value, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro nutrient degradation rate of Macadamia nut peel silage. The moisture content of the Macadamia nut peel was adjusted to 50% using spray-dried corn bran. One control group (CK group) and four experimental groups were designed, with each group having a weight of 15 kg of Macadamia nut peel after moisture adjustment. The CK group was micro-fermented without the addition of microbial strains, while the experimental group Ⅰ added 1% of a mixed feed additive, group Ⅱ added 1% amylase + 1% yeast, group Ⅲ added 1% mixed feed additive + 1% amylase + 1% yeast, and group Ⅳ added 1% amylase + 1% yeast + 1% mixed feed additive + 1% phytase, with each group repeated three times. The micro-fermentation lasted for 30 days. The results showed that the sensory evaluation of group Ⅲ was the best, rated as first class. Compared with the CK group, the content of soluble carbohydrates, crude ash, and starch in each experimental group significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased (P<0.05). The crude protein content of group Ⅱ, group Ⅲ, and group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that of the CK group (P<0.05). The lactic acid content of group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of the CK group, group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ, and group Ⅳ (P<0.05). The aerobic stability of the CK group was significantly lower than that of the other experimental groups (P<0.05), and the 48-hour in vitro dry matter degradation rate of group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of the CK group, group Ⅰ, and group Ⅳ (P<0.05). The 48-hour crude protein in vitro digestion rate of each experimental group was significantly higher than that of the CK group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 1% mixed feed additive + 1% amylase + 1% yeast to the Macadamia nut peel with moisture adjusted to 50% using spray-dried corn bran can effectively improve the nutritional value, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestion rate of the silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole crop corn silage (WCCS) been an important source of roughage for confined ruminants. However, at the silage feed-out phase, the rise in temperature and relative humidity under aerobic conditions breeds the production of undesirable microorganisms, such as yeast and mold. In order to investigate the conservation characteristics and aerobic stability underlying the effects of additives in whole crop corn silage (WCCS), whole crop corn (WCC) at the milk-ripe stage was ensiled with Lentilactobacillus (L.) buchneri (LB) and different proportions of Artemisia argyi (AA) for 90 days (d) at room temperature, respectively, and aerobic exposure after 90 d fermentation was also conducted. The study found that AA as an additive improved the fermentation quality and enhanced aerobic stability of WCCS, for which the addition of 60% AA increased the lactic acid fermentation rate, with the lactic acid concentration at the end of aerobic exposure significantly higher than in all other treatment groups, at 98.21 g/kg DM (p < 0.01), which decreased the relative abundance of none wanted microorganisms and reduced the content of fungal toxins (p < 0.05). After 90 d of fermentation, LB also increased the organic acids and reduced the pH compared with control, thereby improving fermentation quality. Furthermore, we also discovered that the relative abundance of Candida within the 60% AA was the highest. Candida have the ability to convert WSC into organic acids and lower pH, thus improving the quality of silage. Particularly, 60% AA could improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of silage through the biosynthetic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, as well as by participation in the hydrolysis of glycoside hydrolases (GHs). Unexpectedly, the addition of AA was found to reduce the relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. WCC, ensiled with 60% AA, exhibited excellent fermentation quality and aerobic stability, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of AA which improve the quality of WCCS during the aeration phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of agricultural plants resistant to environmental stresses, such as fodder beet, is inevitable in water shortage conditions. Such products have high moisture, which makes it difficult to store them. Total mixed ration (TMR) silage can be a good solution for this problem. This research was carried out in order to evaluate the feasibility of using of using TMR silage containing 25 or 35% of fodder beet (DM basis) in the feeding of fattening lambs by in vitro and in vivo methods. Material and Methods: In the in vitro experiment, diets containing two levels of fodder beet (25% and 35%, DM basis) were ensiled as TMR silage for 60 days and some important silage fermentation properties were evaluated. In the in vivo study, diet containing 25% fodder beet was used in the feeding of fattening lambs in two forms of TMR silage (60-days silage) and TMR for 70 days. Results and Discussion: The amount of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude fat and ash in the whole plant (aerial organ and root) of fodder beet were 17.1, 11.1, 35.9, 19.6, 50.1, 0.59 and 8.1 percent, respectively. Silage fermentation properties and aerobic stability were significantly affected by diet and time (P<0.05). Increasing the level of dietary fodder beet, decreased pH and concentrations of CP, true protein and starch of experimental silages. The pH value of silage containing 25% fodder beet on the 15th day and the pH value of silage containing 35% fodder beet on the ninth day of the aerobic stability test compared to the concentration on the first day of reopening suffered aerobic spoilage with an increase of half a unit (4.73 vs. 4.17 and 4.53 vs. 3.94, respectively) which indicates the weaker aerobic stability of silage containing 35% fodder beet. Lambs fed with TMR silage, consumed more (P<0.05) dry matter than the control group (1914.7 vs. 1756.9 g/day), and other performance indices did not show significant differences. The concentration of all blood parameters in the experimental lambs was in the normal range, which shows that the lambs did not suffer from metabolic problems or special complications by feeding the experimental diets. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this research, feeding TMR silage containing 25% fodder beet caused better fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability compared to 35% level, and it seems that it can be used for feeding fattening lambs, without any adverse effect on performance and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of lactic acid bacteria additives on the fermentation quality, nutritional quality, fungal contamination, and aerobic stability of whole plant corn silage in different ear states, distilled water (CK), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum treatment (LP treatment, addition amount of 1×106 CFU/ g fresh sample), and Lentilactobacillus buchneri treatment (LB treatment, addition amount of 1×106 CFU/ g fresh sample) were added to cob full covered by bracts, cob exposed bracts, ear rot at the exposed top groups for silage fermentation. The results showed that all treatment groups achieved good fermentation effects. The cob exposed bracts had higher WSC content and mold count, and had higher total acid content, lactic acid / acetic acid ratio, and lower pH compared to the fully enclosed group of fruit clusters. LP treatment increased lactate content and decreased pH. LB treatment significantly increased the acetic acid content and decreased the lactic acid / acetic acid ratio, with the lowest yeast count and highest aerobic stability. The use of both additives significantly reduced the ammonia nitrogen content and mold count. The application of lactic acid bacteria additives was of great significance for improving the fermentation quality, nutritional quality, aerobic stability, and reducing fungal contamination of whole plant corn silage with different ear states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The ensiling process presents losses that are associated with the fermentative profile, resulting in lower nutritional value, and lower aerobic stability of silages. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan and microbial inoculants addition in Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage (MGS) fermentation profile and losses, chemical composition, in situ degradation, and aerobic stability. Methods: Forty experimental silos (PVC tubing with 28-cm inner diameter and 25-cm height) were used in a randomised block (n = 5) design to evaluate the following treatments: (1) MGS without additives (control, CON); (2) MGS treated with 5.0 × 104 colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus buchneri (NCIM 40788) per gram of fresh matter (LBB); (3) MGS treated with 1.6 × 105 CFU of L. plantarum and 1.6 × 105 CFU of Pediococcus acidilactici per gram of fresh matter (LPP); and (4) MGS treated with 6 g/kg DM of chitosan (CHI). Key results: The treatments did not alter the pH, ammonia-N, butyric, and lactic acid concentrations in the silage. The use of LPP reduced the ethanol content, while CHI increased propionic and branched-chain fatty acids compared with other treatments. Fermentation losses and dry-matter recovery were not affected by treatments. Chitosan reduced the organic matter of the MGS in relation to the other treatments, without having an impact on the other variables of chemical composition. The treatments did not influence the in vitro degradation, nor the pH and temperature after aerobic exposure of the silage. Conclusions: Chitosan increases ethanol compared with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation and does not affect ammonia-N of Mombasa grass silage. In addition, chitosan and microbial inoculants have limited effects on Mombasa grass silage fermentation losses, nutritional value, and aerobic stability. Implications: Chitosan does not reduce fermentation losses or improve the nutritional value of grass silage. The ensiling process presents losses that are associated with the fermentative profile, resulting in lower nutritional value and lower aerobic stability of silages. The study evaluated the effects of adding chitosan and microbial inoculants to Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage. Chitosan altered some variables of the fermentation profile, but the treatments did not show a relevant effect on fermentation losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a genetically modified corn hybrid with α-amylase expressed in the kernel (AMY) on fermentation profile, aerobic stability, nutrient composition, and starch disappearance of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) and earlage. Both hybrids, AMY and an isogenic corn hybrid (ISO), were grown in 10 replicated plots (5 for WPCS and 5 for earlage). Samples of each plot were collected at harvest, homogenized, and divided into 5 subsamples which were randomly assigned to 5 storage lengths (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 d). Both datasets (WPCS and earlage), were analyzed separately as a completely randomized block design in a factorial arrangement of treatments, with a model including the fixed effects of hybrid, storage length, and their interaction, and the random effect of block. Minor differences on fermentation profile were observed between AMY and ISO for WPCS and earlage. An interaction between hybrid and storage length was observed for DM losses in WPCS, where losses were similar at 30, 60 and 90 d, but lower for AMY compared with ISO at 120 d. No effect of hybrid was observed on yeast and mold counts for WPCS or earlage. The aerobic stability of WPCS was greater for AMY than ISO. For earlage, AMY had greater DM losses and aerobic stability than ISO. An interaction between hybrid and storage length was observed for ammonia-N in both WPCS and earlage, where ammonia-N was similar at 0 d but greater for AMY than ISO throughout later storage lengths. A similar interaction was observed for water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) concentrations in WPCS, where ISO had greater WSC than AMY at 0 d but was similar throughout later storage lengths. However, AMY earlage had a greater WSC concentration throughout storage length, but a lesser magnitude after ensiling. Starch concentration was greater for AMY than ISO in WPCS and earlage. Greater starch disappearances at 0 h and 6 h were observed for ISO in WPCS and earlage. Minor effects on fermentation profile, microbial counts, aerobic stability and nutrient composition suggests that AMY can be ensiled for prolonged periods with no concerns for undesirable fermentation or nutrient losses. However, in situ starch disappearance was lower for AMY compared with ISO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silage quality and aerobic stability are the key factors affecting the utilization efficiency of silage feed, and ensiling density stands as the fundamental principle of silage making. The experiment presented here evaluates the effects of ensiling density on the silage quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage. In this experiment, alfalfa was harvested, wilted, chopped, and subsequently packed into 10 L laboratory silos. The ensiling densities were set to 800 g/L, 700 g/L, and 600 g/L, respectively, with three replicates in each group. Sampling and analysis were carried out at 45 days of silage and 8 days of aerobic exposure. The results showed that ensiling density significantly (p < 0.05) affected the content of ammonia nitrogen, Flieg score, the counts of yeast, and mold. After 45 days of ensiling, 800 g/L silage had the highest contents of dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude protein, lactic acid, and total organic acids, and the lowest pH and ammonia nitrogen compared to the 700 g/L and 600 g/L silage (p < 0.05). The Flieg score of 800 g/L silage was higher than those of the 700 g/L and 600 g/L silage. The counts of yeast and mold of 800 g/L silage was significantly lower than those of the 700 g/L and 600 g/L silage. During aerobic exposure, a consistent decrease in lactic acid and an increase in pH were observed among all silages. The aerobic stability of 800 g/L silage (156 h) was significantly higher than that in the 700 g/L (136 h) and 600 g/L silage (111 h). It was suggested that the increasing ensiling density above 800 g/L was an effective method to improve both the silage quality and the aerobic stability of alfalfa silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once a silo has been opened, the silage inside will face challenges such as aerobic deterioration, rot, and contamination. Biocontrol bacteria, as a kind of biological antiseptic, are highly effective and natural and are gaining increasing attention. This study aimed to screen a strain with anti-microbial activity against silage spoilage microorganisms and examine its effects on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, in vitro digestion, and methane production of silage. Lactic acid bacteria, pathogenic and rot-causing microorganisms, were used as indicators to screen the strains for putrefactive silage. The bacteriostatic spectrum, growth performance, and tolerance to the silage environment of the strain were tested. A strain named D-2 was screened from rotten whole-plant corn silage and identified as Bacillus velezensis through physiological and biochemical tests as well as 16S rDNA sequencing. This study found that D-2 exhibits antibacterial effects on several microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium graminearum. However, it has no adverse effect on Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, or Lactobacillus casei. D-2 can attain a stable stage within 10 h and withstand temperatures of up to 70 °C. Moreover, this study found that D-2 had a high survival rate of over 97% after 48 h in a lactic acid environment with pH 4. Freshly chopped whole-plant corn was inoculated without or with D-2 and ensiled for 60 days. The results show that D-2 inoculations increase the content of water-soluble carbohydrates, acetic acid, and propionic acid in the silage and decrease the number of yeasts and molds, the NH4+-N/TN ratio, and the pH. We also found that fermenting whole-plant corn with D-2 significantly increased the in vitro digestibility and the propionic acid content, while also significantly inhibiting methane production. After being exposed to air for 10 days, D-2 can still effectively reduce the total number of yeasts and molds, prevent the decrease in lactic acid bacteria, and inhibit the increase in the pH and NH4+-N/TN ratio of silage products. Overall, D-2 is resistant to pathogenic and rot-causing microorganisms, allowing for easy adaptation to silage production conditions. D-2 can effectively improve aerobic stability and reduce losses in the nutritional value of silage, indicating possible applications for the prevention of silage rot and methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage is essential for producing high-quality silage. Our research assessed the effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis and its modulation of the bacterial and fungal microbial community structure in an aerobic stage of whole-plant corn silage. Following treatment with a distilled sterile water control, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Bacillus licheniformis (2 × 105 cfu/g), whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 3, and 7 of aerobic exposure, and the results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis improved the aerobic stability of silage when compared to the effect of the control (p < 0.05). Inoculation with Bacillus licheniformis attenuated the increase in pH value and the decrease in lactic acid in the aerobic stage (p < 0.05), reducing the filamentous fungal counts. On the other hand, inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis increased the diversity of the fungal communities (p < 0.05), complicating the correlation between bacteria or fungi, reducing the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Paenibacillus in bacterial communities, and inhibiting the tendency of Monascus to replace Issatchenkia in fungal communities, thus delaying the aerobic spoilage process. Due to the prevention of the development of aerobic spoilage microorganisms, the silage injected with Lactobacillus buchneri or Bacillus licheniformis exhibited improved aerobic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses on the nutrient composition, fermentation quality, bacterial count, aerobic stability, and microflora of alfalfa silage in sandy grasslands. The experimental treatments included control (CK), 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum (L), 5% molasses (M), and 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum + 5% molasses (LM). The nutrient composition, fermentation quality, bacterial count, aerobic stability, and microflora were determined after 14 days and 56 days of ensiling, respectively. The results showed that the addition of L, M, and LM reduced dry matter loss (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and increased water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and ether extract (EE) content, compared to the CK group. Meanwhile, more lactic acid (LA) and accelerated fermentation were observed, causing the pH value to drop below 4.5 in the L, M, and LM groups after 56 days of ensiling. The addition of L, M, and LM promoted lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and inhibited yeast. The addition of L significantly increased the content of acetic acid (AA). In terms of microflora, the addition of L, M, and LM made Firmicutes become the dominant bacterial phylum earlier, while Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Pediococcus had a higher abundance. According to the result of Pearson's correlation, there is a very significant negative correlation between pH value and Lactobacillus (P < 0.01) and a very significant positive correlation between pH value and Lactococcus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, and Leuconostoc (P < 0.01), whichmay be inhibited by Lactobacillus under the decreased pH value. The results of the prediction of microbial genes indicated that the addition of Mcould enhance the carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport metabolism, which may contribute to LA production by LAB metabolism. In general, L, M and LM all improved the fermentation quality and reduced the loss of nutrients to varying degrees, but considering the fermentation quality, the overall effects of M and LM were better than L. M and LM are recommended to be used as silage additives in the process of alfalfa silage in sandy grasslands to improve the quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern Europe's mutating weather conditions and the European environmental agenda have suggested the cropping of maize (Zea mays L.) after winter cereal cultivation, even if shortening the growing period could result in an immature harvesting stage, limiting its silage quality. The experimental design investigated the effects of four harvesting dry matter (DM) classes (DMvl, 23.9%; DMl, 25.3%; DMm, 26.2%; DMh, 30.4%) in two inoculant types (heterofermentative (HE) vs. homofermentative (HOM) on fermentative quality, DM losses, and aerobic stability. The early harvested DMvl and DMl classes had the lowest silage density (<130 kg m−3) and resulted in an organic acids profile lowering the fermentative quality and increasing the DM losses, while no differences were detected following the use of the inoculants. The aerobic stability was more susceptible to further adverse fermentation via opportunistic microorganisms in the DMm and DMh classes, probably due to the lower moisture content, but the use of both HE and HOM lactic acid bacteria seemed to contain this silage surface damage. In summary, a shortening of the maize growing period might limit the achievement of the maturity stage ideal for high-quality silage, hampering the positive effects of both HOM and HE inoculants in the ensiling process of early harvested maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical pastures have been little explored for haylage, due to the lack of information on nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation quality of different genotypes of forage grasses from tropical pastures in the form of haylage. Six genotypes of grasses were used to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, losses and presence of microorganisms in the in the haylage. The completely randomized design was used for all variables. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with all genotype’s means compared by the Scott Knott’s test at 5% probability. There was effect of interaction between form of material x genotype (P0.05). The concentrations of O2 in the haylage after 60 days of storage were lower for the genotypes Xaraés and Tupã. The highest levels of acetic acid were observed in genotypes Xaraés, Planaltina and Tupã. The Planaltina genotype presented the highest DM loss in the process of production and storage of the haylage, averaging 8.2 ± 0.37%. The haylage of the species B. brizantha and M. maximus presented better nutritional characteristics.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two maturity stages of whole-plant corn at harvest (32.1 or 42.5% dry matter (DM)) and a commercial microbial inoculant composed of L. buchneri and L. plantarum at concentration of 110,000 CFU/g of fresh forage (1.1 × 105 CFU/g FF) on fermentation losses, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and digestibility of starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A factorial and randomized design was used (two DM contents, both with or without inoculant), with five replicates per treatment. Dry matter at harvest affected most variables, except lignin, NDF digestibility, ethanol, and lactic and acetic acids. Drier silages differed in total DM losses (−1.7%) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population (+1.2 log CFU/g). The use of the inoculant affected the levels of ether extract (+0.27% DM), starch (+2.9% DM), and lignin (−0.17% DM). The LAB (+1.6 log CFU/g) and yeast (−2.82% log CFU/g) populations were also influenced, as well as aerobic stability at six days. The inoculant × DM interaction was observed in the water-soluble carbohydrates content, being higher in silages with 32.1% DM and in those not inoculated for both DM. Crude protein was also higher in these silages, whether inoculated or not. Wetter silages were more prone to gas losses when inoculated (+2.5% DM) and lost more effluent when not inoculated (+4.82 kg/t FF). However, total DM losses during aerobic stability were on average 10.58% DM lower in these silages, with inoculation being preferred (6.72% DM vs 11.60% DM (control)). Under these conditions, harvesting corn for silage at 42.5% DM is indicated to obtain a more energetic silage, as noted both in the increased starch content and the reduced losses associated with fermentation.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) inoculation into triticale silage on fermentation, quality, feed value, and aerobic stability. This study used three doses of LP bacteria strains (MF098786 strain) isolated from homemade pickles as inoculants. As LP dose, 1×106, 1×108 and 1×109 cfu/mL levels were used. The LP inoculation was applied by spraying onto by using a sterile injector at 1 mL per 1 kg material. The prepared silages were incubated for 60 d. The treatment groups in the study consisted of triticale control (TC), 1×106 (LP6T), 1×108 (LP8T) and 1×109 cfu/kg DM (LP9T) LP inoculated triticale. The LP inoculation of triticale silage improved silage fermentation, chemical and microbiological properties, silage quality, and feed value, and aerobic stability of the product, regardless of dose application. This application did not change the silage's organic matter, ash, and hemicellulose contents but decreased the crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents. While there was no significant change in color parameters in all silages, a decrease in the ultimate pH value, and improvement in Flieg score and RFV were detected. The LP inoculation into triticale silage increased the number of lactic acid bacteria and decreased the number of yeast in the silages. This application improved the total digestible nutrient and energy values of LP9T silage compared with other silages. When LP doses were evaluated within themselves, it was determined that all doses gave almost similar results in terms of the parameters studied. However, when the data obtained from the research are evaluated as a whole, LP inoculation at the level of 1×109 cfu/mL can be recommended to triticale silage, because of the positive effects of silage on total digestible nutrient, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and net energy contents.

The mixture of whole-plant soybean and whole-plant corn silage (WPSCS) is nutrient balanced and is also a promising roughage for ruminants. However, few studies have investigated the changes in bacterial community succession in WPSCS inoculated with homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and whether WPSCS inoculated with LAB can improve fermentation quality by reducing nutrient losses. This study investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) or Lactobacillus buchneri (L. buchneri) on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and bacterial community of WPSCS. A 40:60 ratio of whole-plant soybean corn was inoculated without (CK) or with L. plantarum (LP), L. buchneri (LB), and a mixture of LP and LB (LPB), and fermented for 14, 28, and 56 days, followed by 7 days of aerobic exposure. The 56-day silage results indicated that the dry matter content of the LP and LB groups reached 37.36 and 36.67%, respectively, which was much greater than that of the CK group (36.05%). The pH values of the LP, LB, and LPB groups were significantly lower than those of the CK group (p < 0.05). The ammoniacal nitrogen content of LB was significantly lower than that of the other three groups (p < 0.05), and the ammoniacal nitrogen content of LP and LPB was significantly lower than that of CK (p < 0.05). The acetic acid content and aerobic stability of the LB group were significantly greater than those of the CK, LP, and LPB groups (p < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing revealed a dominant bacteria shift from Proteobacteria in fresh forage to Firmicutes in silage at the phylum level. Lactobacillus remained the dominant genus in all silage. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe) analysis identified Lactobacillus as relatively abundant in LP-treated silage and Weissella in LB-treated groups. The results of KEGG pathway analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of the silage microbial flora showed that the abundance of genes related to amino acid metabolism in the LP, LB, and LPB groups was lower than that in the CK group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, LAB application can improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of WPSCS by regulating the succession of microbial communities and metabolic pathways during ensiling. Concurrently, the LB inoculant showed the potential to improve the aerobic stability of WPSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effects of different silage additives on the mixed silage of silage corn and whole soybean (1:1). The control (CK) had no microbial inoculum, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were silaged with 0.005 g/kg microbial inoculum, 0.3 g/kg enzyme preparation, 0.005 g/kg microbial inoculum + 0.3 g/kg enzyme preparation, 4 mL/kg formic acid, and 4 mL/kg propionic acid, respectively, and the silage was fermented for 90 days. The results showed that the pH value of treatment groups and CK was lower than 4.10. Lactic acid (LA) content in T4, T5, and T1 was significantly higher than that in other treatments ( P<0.05). The content of acetic acid (AA) was significantly higher than that of CK ( P<0.05), and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (NH3-N/TN) was significantly lower than that of CK ( P<0.05). The contentrations of dry matter (DM) and starch in T5 and T4 were significantly higher than those in CK ( P<0.05). The content of crude fat (EE) in T3 and T2 was significantly higher than that in CK ( P<0.05). The content of soluble carbohydrate (WSC) in T1 and T4 was significantly higher than that in CK ( P<0.05). The contentrations of crude ash (CA) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) treated with each additive were significantly higher than those in CK ( P<0.05). The nutritional value of all treatments was ranked as T1 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > CK by the membership function method. The additive treatments improved the aerobic stability of corn and soybean mixture, and the effects of T5, T4, and T1 were better than those of other treatments. The study indicates that the additive treatments improve the nutritional value and aerobic stability of mixed silage of corn and whole soybean, among which propionic acid, formic acid, and microbial inoculum are better than other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of sodium sulfite on the quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage, the experiment took sweet sorghum as raw material, adding 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 g/kg sodium sulfite to prepare silage, it was opened 50 days later to determine the fermentation quality, nutrient composition, microbial quantity of the silage and the aerobic decay of silage was measured. The results showed that: compared with the control group, the addition of sodium sulfite had no significant effect on pH (P>0.05), but significantly increased the content of lactic acid (P<0.05), and also increased the content of acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen to varying degrees; the 0.3 g/kg sodium sulfite significantly decreased the contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in sweet sorghum silage (P<0.05); all the concentrations of sodium sulfite significantly decreased the nitrate content of sweet sorghum silage (P<0.05). Sodium sulfite has a good inhibition effect on Coliform bacteria. The aerobic stability of 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg sodium sulfite treatment was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). During the aerobic exposure period, the pH of 0.1 g/kg sodium sulfite treatment group remained good, and the contents of lactic acid and acetic acid were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). By comprehensive analysis, the addition of sodium sulfite could improve the nutritional quality of sweet sorghum silage, and has the effect of improving the aerobic stability. The appropriate dosage was 0.1-0.2 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effects of different microbial additives on the microstorage quality and aerobic stability of the mixture of P. purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin and cassava alcohol residue. There were five treatments with three replicates in each treatment, namely the control group (CK group, no microbes added), group Ⅰ (Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus licheniformis + Lactobacillus plantarum + yeast + Lactobacillus), group Ⅱ (Lactobacillus + Bacillus subtilis + Candida utilis), group Ⅲ (Enterococcus faecalis + Lactobacillus), group Ⅳ (Bacillus subtilis + Lactobacillus acidophilus + Lactobacillus). Samples were collected and analyzed after 60 days of room temperature and dark fermentation. The results showed that the sensory evaluation results of each experimental group were better than those of the CK group, and the group Ⅰ was the best. Compared with the CK group, the content of NDF in the group Ⅳ decreased significantly (P<0.05). The content of ADF in the group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ decreased significantly (P<0.05). In the groupⅡ, the content of starch, acetic acid and lactic acid decreased significantly (P<0.05). The content of WSC and the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber at 30 hours in the group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ increased significantly (P<0.05). The content of Ca in the group Ⅲ increased significantly (P<0.05). Lactic acid content in the group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ increased significantly (P<0.05). The stable time of aerobic exposure in the group Ⅳ was the longest (246.67 h), and the stable time of aerobic exposure in the group Ⅰ was the shortest (48 h). Through comprehensive function analysis, it can be found that the value of each experimental group was higher than that of the CK group, and the value of the group Ⅰ was the highest. The results showed that adding microbial additives could improve the quality of mixed micro-storage of P. purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin and cassava alcohol residue, and the effect of the group Ⅰ was the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the impact of organic fertilizer on the quality, digestive characteristics, and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage of different varieties. A two-factor experimental design was employed, using four corn varieties: Da Kang 205 (DK205), High Oil 958 (HO958), Zhong Yu 335 (ZY335), and Zhong Nong 787 (ZN787). Two treatments were applied: Organic fertilizer application and no organic fertilizer application. The whole plants were harvested at the wax ripening stage and subjected to whole-plant ensiling. After a 200-day fermentation period, relevant indicators were analyzed. The results showed that the interaction effect of variety and organic fertilizer had an impact on the content of lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen ratio ( P<0.05). The Interaction effect of variety and organic fertilizer had an impact on the content of dry matter, crude protein, starch, and acid detergent fiber ( P<0.05). The organic fertilizer group exhibited higher in vitro dry matter digestibility and aerobic stability, with ZN787 showing significantly higher in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility than the other three varieties ( P<0.05). The study indicates that the application of organic fertilizer has varying degrees of improvement on the quality, digestive characteristics, and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage for different varieties. ZN787 is suitable for promoting whole-plant corn silage cultivation in the Inner Mongolia region, and the application of organic fertilizer can further enhance the silage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of enzyme addition on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of whole plant maize silage in Karst areas, and to provide a reference for the application of new silage agents. The differ‐ ent additives bacteria were added to the whole plant silage maize and sealed in a vacuum bag. Five test groups and one control group were set up. The control had add an equal amount of distilled wa‐ ter. The A contained Lactobacillus plantarum; the B contained cellulose decomposing bacteria, the C con‐ tained Cellulase, the AB contained Lactobacillus plantarum and cellulose decomposing bacteria; the AC contained Lactobacillus plantarum and Cellulase, Among them, Lactobacillus plantarum added 1× 105 CFU/g, cellulose decomposing bacteria are Aspergillus niger∶ Bacillus subtilis=2∶ 1, with added 3.0×105, 1.5×105 CFU/g respectively, Cellulase added at 0.3%. Fermentation characteristics, lactic acid bacteria, nutrient composition, aerobic stability and other indexes were determined by sampling after 60 days of fermentation. The results showed, that the odour of each treatment group could be obviously smelled faintly, while the control group had a bland odour, and the overall score reached grade 1; pH of each test group was for 4.2, which reached the standard of high quality silage, and the pH of C and AC groups was significantly lower than that of A, B and AB groups (P<0.05). LA content of A, B and C treat‐ ments was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The difference in acetic acid was not significant (P>0.05), the propionic acid and butyric acid wasn't detectied. NH3-N was significantly higher in A, B, C and AB treatments than in control group (P<0.05). Aerobic stability time was signifi‐ cantly higher in all treatments than in control group (P<0.05). CP was significantly higher in AB treat‐ ment than in other treatments (P<0.05); DM was significantly higher in all treatments than in control group (P<0.05). B, AB treatment ash was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). The difference in acetic acid was not significant (P>0.05), the propionic acid and butyric acid wasn't detectied. The comprehensive values of the 5 test groups and one control group, as calculated from the 14 indexes by a membership function analysis, were as follows: AC group > C group > AB group > B group > A group > control group. The results show that the AC and AB are effective in improving silage quality and aerobic stability of whole plant silage maize. The best results were obtained with the AC; cellulose decomposing bacteria can replace Cellulase to a certain extent in the fermentation of whole maize silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability, in vitro digestibility, and rumen degradation characteristics of silage mixtures with different ratios of sweet sorghum (SS) and aerial parts of licorice (LC). (2) Methods: Five mixtures were produced on a dry matter (DM) basis: (i) 0%SS + 100%LC (0%SS); (ii) 25%SS + 75%LC (25%SS); (iii) 50%SS + 50%LC (50%SS); (iv) 75%SS + 25%LC (75%SS); and (v) 100%SS + 0%LC (100%SS). First, the chemical composition of the silages was measured before and after fermentation. Next, the aerobic stability, dynamic microbial colonization and dynamic volatile fatty acids of the mixed silage after fermentation were determined for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days. Finally, the parameters related to gas production and the characteristics of the gas production were determined. At the same time, the rate of degradation of the chemical composition of the mixed silage in the rumen was studied. (3) Results: (a) As the proportion of SS increased, pH, ammonia, butyric acid, acetate, and aerobic stability showed a decreasing trend, but lactic acid content gradually increased. (b) The content of the fermentation and gas production parameters were significantly higher in 100%SS and 50%SS than others (p < 0.05). (c) The rate of degradation of DE, ME, Neg, DM, CP, ADF, NDF, and ADL of 50%SS in the rumen of sheep was significantly higher than others (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, ensiling SS and LC mixtures can improve silage quality, especially if the SS and LC are ensiled together at a ratio of 50:50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants and chemical additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. Total mixed ration (568 g/kg dry matter (DM)) was ensiled with six experimental treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) Lactobacillus buchneri (LB; applied at 1 × 106 cfu/g fresh weight (FW)); (3) Lactobacillus casei (LC; applied at 1 × 106 cfu/g FW); (4) calcium propionate (CAP; applied at 0.5% FW); (5) sodium diacetate (SD; applied at 0.5% FW); (6) potassium sorbate (PS; applied at 0.1% FW). All silos (18 L) were opened for fermentation quality, in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility analysis after 90 days of ensiling, and then subjected to aerobic stability test for 14 days. All the TMR silage was well-preserved with low pH (4.36 ∼ 4.66) and acceptable levels of butyric acid (1.02 ∼ 2.51 g/kg DM) and ammonia nitrogen (86.3 ∼ 107 g/kg total nitrogen). All the groups were steady during 14 days of aerobic exposure, while SD group was more stable with lower (p

The purpose of the current research was to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase supplementation on the chemical composition, fermentation parameters, aerobic stability, microbial count, and in vitro nutrients digestibility of silage prepared with Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw. This study consisted of four treatments: a control group with no additive supplementation (CON), a lactic acid bacteria supplementation group (LAB), a cellulase supplementation group (CEL), and a combined supplementation group (LAC). After ensiling for 60 d, the chemical composition, fermentation parameters, microbial count, and aerobic stability were determined. Additionally, ruminal fermentation characteristics were evaluated by an in vitro incubation technique. Compared with CON silage, the quality of LAB and CEL silages was enhanced to a certain degree. Combined supplementation with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase in mixed silage of Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw noticeably increased (p < 0.05) the dry matter, crude protein, and lactic acid contents, whereas it reduced (p < 0.05) the pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen as well as the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations. The lactic acid bacteria count in LAC silage was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON silage, whereas an opposite trend of yeast, aerobic bacteria, and mold was observed between the two groups. The aerobic stability time, in vitro crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility in LAC silage were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with those in CON silage. Moreover, the in vitro ruminal ammonia nitrogen content was reduced (p < 0.05), and the microbial protein and propionic acid concentrations were increased (p < 0.05) in silage after combined inoculation with additives. Taken together, the quality of Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw mixed silage can be improved by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase, and combined supplementation shows the greatest improvement in silage quality.

In this experiment, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri were added individually or in combination to Silphium perfoliatum L. (SP) silage to investigate the effects of different fermentation types of lactobacilli on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of SP-silage, with a view to providing a certain scientific basis and technical support for obtaining high-quality SP-silage in production. The experiment comprised a non-additive group (control), an L. plantarum group (LP), an L. buchneri group (LB), and an L. plantarum and L. buchneri mixed treatment group (LPLB). Samples were taken after 60 days of fermentation and analyzed for the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of the SP-silage. The results showed that the addition of LP, LB, and LPLB significantly reduced the pH and proportion of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen and significantly increased the lactic acid, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro crude protein digestibility in the SP-silage (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the dry matter and crude protein contents of the LB and LPLB groups were significantly increased, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The SP-silage supplemented with LPLB had the highest dry matter and crude protein contents. The gross and digestible energies of the SP-silage in the LB and LPLB groups were significantly higher than those in the control and LP groups (p < 0.05). The aerobic stability of the SP-silage was significantly reduced by 24.14% in the LP group and increased by 58.62% and 34.48% in the LB and LPLB groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It was shown that adding a combination of LP and LB resulted in the best fermentation quality, nutritional value, and in vitro digestibility of the SP-silage. LB was effective in improving the aerobic stability of SP-silage.

Abstract Background Due to its hollow stem, ensiling triticale presents a challenge as it may cause an overabundance of oxygen during the fermentation process. This study investigated the effects of Bacillus coagulans (BC) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, and aerobic stability of ensiled triticale. Fresh triticale was wilted at a dry matter content of 350 g/kg. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with both BC and commercial LP added at 0 or 1 × 106 cfu/g of fresh weight (FW) of chopped triticale. Results After 60 days of ensiling, the pH, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) of inoculated groups were lower than those of the control group (P

The experiment aimed to screen suitable types and amounts of additives for the whole-plant corn silage preparation, promoting the industrial development of corn silage. Using the wax-ripe whole-plant corn as a raw material, a study was conducted on the effects of formic acid, lactic acid bacteria, and molasses on the fermentation characteristics, nutritional quality, and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn. The results showed that compared with natural fermentation, 6 mL/kg of formic acid could significantly reduce the number of undesirable microorganisms and the content of NH3-N in silage (P<0.05), and improve the content of WSC and aerobic stability. Adding Lactobacillus brucei or a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brucei significantly increased the acetic acid content (P<0.05), reduced the quantity of harmful microorganisms and NH3-N content, and improved aerobic stability. The addition of molasses significantly increased the quantity of harmful microorganisms and NH3-N content in silage(P<0.05), while reducing the content of acetic acid, DM, and WSC. The study indicates that considering the fermentation characteristics, nutritional quality, and aerobic stability of whole corn silage, it is recommended to use 6 mL/kg of formic acid, Lactobacillus brucei alone, or a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brucei in a 1: 5 ratio for silage preparation in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was aimed at comparing how a chemical additive or an inoculant would affect the dry matter (DM) losses, fermentation pattern, yeast and mold counts, and aerobic stability (AS) of the ensiled high-moisture barley grain (675 g kg−1 DM). Crimped barley grain was ensiled with or without chemical additive AIV Ässä Na and an inoculant SiloSolve FC, totaling three treatments (1 × 3 factorial scheme) for the fermentation periods lasting 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days. The application of a chemical additive showed higher pH levels, retained water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) better, lowered DM loss, and reduced concentrations of fermentation products. Barley grain treated with chemicals initially showed a marked reduction in yeast and fungal growth and a higher AS up to day 60 of storage but became less effective in later stages of storage, leading to decreased AS. Barley grain inoculated with homo- and heterofermentative strains had decreased silage pH; its WSC content was similar to control and had higher content of weak acids and 1,2 propanediol, reducing mold and yeast counts. With fermentation duration from 28 days and beyond (i.e., 90 days), the inoculant treatment achieved the longest AS and the lowest increase in pH and weight loss during the period of air exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensiling density has significant importance for the quality and preservation of silage. Appropriate ensiling density could improve the nutritional value, extend the storage time of silage and reduce the risk of mold and spoilage. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of ensiling densities on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of rice straw. The rice straw was obtained after threshing, then chopped and ensiled into a 10 L laboratory silo with three ensiling densities (high density at 700 g/L, medium density at 600 g/L and low density at 500 g/L). Five silos per density were opened after 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days of ensiling, and then, the fermentation quality and aerobic stability were analyzed. During ensiling, high density had the highest lactic acid content, and the lowest pH and ammonia nitrogen. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol contents among all silage, and the contents of propionic acid and butyric acid were trace amounts. On day 60 of ensiling, the Flieg's point of high density and medium density were higher than the low density. During aerobic exposure, the continuous lactic acid decrease and pH increase were observed in all silage. The aerobic bacteria and yeasts count in the high density and medium density were lower than that in the low density. The aerobic stability of the high density (26 h) and the medium density (24 h) were higher than that of the low density (13 h). It was suggested that if the ensiling density is higher than 600 g/L, it could effectively improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of rice straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a vital source of forage protein for ruminants, yet its ensiling poses challenges due to high buffering capacity and low water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). This study investigated the impact of sodium diacetate (SDA) on alfalfa silage quality and aerobic stability. SDA was applied at four different rates to wilted alfalfa on a fresh basis: 0 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 5 g/kg, and 7 g/kg, and silages were ensiled in laboratory-scale silos for 45 days, followed by 7 days of aerobic exposure. A 16S rRNA gene sequencing assay using GenomeLab™ GeXP was performed to determine the relationship between dominant isolated lactic acid bacteria species and fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability on silage. The results showed that Lentilolactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium were the most prevalent bacteria when silos were opened, whereas Weissella paramesenteroides, Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium and Bacillus spp. were most prevalent bacteria after 7 days of aerobic exposure. Dry matter, pH, and WSC content were not affected by SDA, but doses above 5 g/kg induced a homofermentative process, which increased lactic acid concentration and lactic acid to acetic acid ratio, decreased yeast count during aerobic exposure, and improved aerobic stability. These findings offer useful information for optimizing SDA usage in silage, assuring improved quality and longer storage, and thereby improving animal husbandry and sustainable feed practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn crop grown and ensiled at high temperature have lower water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population, lactic acid concentration, fermentation quality and aerobic stability. This study systematically investigated the effects of heterofermentative LAB (hetLAB), homofermentative LAB (homLAB), molasses and their mixture (MIX) on in-silo fermentation characteristics, chemical profiles, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) carbohydrate subfractions, in vitro digestibility (DMD), microbial count, and post-ensiling aerobic stability of whole crop corn silage during hot summer (30 to 45°C) condition. Corn hybrids (P30K08 and DK6789) were ensiled at targeted dry matter (DM) of 330 g/kg for 0, 3, 7, 21, and 150 days in 3 L silos, without additive (CCS) or treated with hetLAB (4×106 cfu/g Lactobacillus buchneri), homLAB (1×106 cfu/g of L. plantarum), molasses (3% of fresh forage) or MIX (half of individual doses of homLAB, hetLAB and molasses) additives. The CCS, homLAB, hetLAB, molasses, or MIX treated chopped material of each hybrid were ensiled in 16 replicate silos at a density of 260 kg of DM/m³ . Compared to CCS, the additives significantly improved silage nutritional and fermentation quality, DM digestibility (in vitro), count of LAB, DM recovery and aerobic stability, and decreased counts of yeast and mold. Among the inoculants, the homLAB and MIX inoculated silages had greatest improvement in fermentation quality and nutritional value. The homLAB produced corn silage with the highest (P < 0.05) content of lactic acid, and soluble carbohydrates, and lowest contents of acetic acid, NH3-N and pH, demonstrating desirable and restricted in silo fermentation. On the other hand, the hetLAB inoculated silages had the greatest (P < 0.05) value of acetic acids, highlighting greater aerobic stability. Interestingly, the MIX silages followed the hetLAB in acetic acid value and homLAB in lactic acid value. Notably, without additive stable pH was not achieved during 21 days, with application of molasses, hetLAB and the MIX inoculants stable pH was achieved during 7 days, and with homLAB stable pH was achieved during the first 3 days of ensiling. The greatest numbers of viable LAB were recorded in homLAB (8.13 log cfu/g) and MIX (7.89 log cfu/g) inoculated silages, while the lowest for CCS (6.29 log cfu/g). The lowest yeast (1.48 log cfu/ g) and mold (0.22 log cfu/g) were recorded for hetLAB inoculated silage. The greatest (P < 0.05) DM recovery was recorded for hetLAB (97.3%) and MIX (96.9%), and the lowest for the control silage (92.9%). All additives significantly improved the aerobic stability of corn silage, and the greatest value of >72 h was recorded for hetLAB and MIX inoculats, and the lowest for CSC (25 h). In conclusion, additives application can improve fermentation quality, nutritional value, DM recovery and aerobic stability of whole crop corn silage under hot summer conditions of the tropics. The MIX inoculant showed potential to improve in-silo fermentation, and aerobic stability at the same time, however, further investigation are required, particularly with respect of dose rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants and chemical additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. Total mixed ration (568 g/kg dry matter (DM)) was ensiled with six experimental treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) Lactobacillus buchneri (LB; applied at 1 × 106 cfu/g fresh weight (FW)); (3) Lactobacillus casei (LC; applied at 1 × 106 cfu/g FW); (4) calcium propionate (CAP; applied at 0.5% FW); (5) sodium diacetate (SD; applied at 0.5% FW); (6) potassium sorbate (PS; applied at 0.1% FW). All silos (18 L) were opened for fermentation quality, in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility analysis after 90 days of ensiling, and then subjected to aerobic stability test for 14 days. All the TMR silage was well-preserved with low pH (4.36 ∼ 4.66) and acceptable levels of butyric acid (1.02 ∼ 2.51 g/kg DM) and ammonia nitrogen (86.3 ∼ 107 g/kg total nitrogen). All the groups were steady during 14 days of aerobic exposure, while SD group was more stable with lower (p < 0.05) yeast (4.60 vs. 5.17 ∼ 5.77 log10 cfu/g FW) and mould (3.33 vs. 4.12 ∼ 4.64 log10 cfu/g FW) populations than other treated groups on day 14. Moreover, SD group had the highest (p < 0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter (67.8 vs. 56.6 ∼ 63.5%) and neutral detergent fibre (61.7 vs. 50.5 ∼ 57.4%) among all groups. Overall, SD is recommended as additive to improve fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility, and aerobic stability of TMR silage. After 14 days of aerobic exposure, the yeast and mould populations in TMR silage can be efficiently inhibited by sodium diacetate treatment. Sodium diacetate treatment evidently enhanced in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fibre compared to other treatments. Sodium diacetate is recommended as additive to improve fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility, and aerobic stability of TMR silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work aimed to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria, natamycin and hexanoic acid on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silages containing water bamboo sheath leaves. The treatments were as follows: (1) no additives (control, C), (2) lactic acid bacteria (L), (3) natamycin (N), (4) hexanoic acid (H), (5) lactic acid bacteria + natamycin (LN), (6) lactic acid bacteria + hexanoic acid (LH). Silos were opened and silages were evaluated to assess fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility. All TMR silages were well-preserved as indicated by dominant lactic acid content, low ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen, trace propionic acid and negligible butyric acid contents. All additives improved the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility, evidenced by higher lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, lactic acid, acetic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate contents and lactic acid bacteria count, and lower pH, aerobic bacteria and yeast counts. The LN had the highest lactic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, in vitro gas production and in vitro digestibility. During aerobic exposure, the LN silage had the highest lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and the lowest pH among all TMR silages. The LN and LH prolonged aerobic stability, reaching 85.5 and 81.5 h, respectively. The LN is recommended to improve the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of TMR prepared with water bamboo sheath leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of various wild strains of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation and aerobic stability of sorghum silages as well as on their intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal fermentation in lambs. Four Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred lambs with rumen fistulations were distributed using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental diets were as follows: silage without inoculation (Control), silage inoculated with a commercial inoculant (Lalsil As), silage inoculated with L. buchneri strain LB 50.4 (LB 50.4), and silage inoculated with L. buchneri strain LB 90.14 (LB 90.14). All inoculated silages and their total mixed ration (TMR) remained stable over 7 d of air exposure, while the control silage and its TMR lost their aerobic stability after ±40.96 h (P < 0.001). The silage containing LB 50.4 exhibited the lowest digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.037), organic matter (P = 0.037), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P = 0.012). The diet based on LB 50.4 silage showed the highest acetate to propionate ratio (P = 0.005). The strains of L. buchneri used in this study effectively improved the aerobic stability of sorghum silage and the respective diets without compromising nutrient intake or ruminal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the genotype on the chemical composition, feeding value and in vitro rumen degradability of fresh and ensiled forage of four native maize varieties (Amarillo, Olotillo, Tampiqueño and Tuxpeño) from Tamaulipas, Mexico, and a commercial hybrid, as well as the stability and aerobic deterioration of the silage. In all genotypes, fresh forage consisted of whole plants of maize that were harvested when the grain reached a milky-mass state, and silage was fresh forage chopped and ensiled in plastic bags, where it fermented for 120 days. The hybrid presented the highest content (p < 0.05) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFCs) and starch, as well as the lowest content (p < 0.05) of fibers (NDF and ADF), acid detergent lignin and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs). Furthermore, the hybrid and Amarillo genotypes obtained the lowest pH and ammoniacal nitrogen content (p < 0.05), intermediate values (p < 0.05) of lactic and butyric acid, and the lowest and highest acetic acid content (p < 0.05), respectively. Although OM did not differ (p > 0.05) between states of the forage, the fresh forage presented a higher (p < 0.05) content of DM, crude protein, NDF, ADF, WSCs, pH and butyric acid in all genotypes, while the rest of the parameters were higher (p < 0.05) in the silage. However, Amarillo obtained the highest feeding value (p < 0.05) in terms of DM intake, relative forage value, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and rumen degradability (DM, NDF and ADF), and between states of the forage, ensiled obtained the highest feeding value (p < 0.05). During the aerobic exposure, the Amarillo and hybrid silage showed greater (p < 0.05) stability (>38 h), and less (p < 0.05) deterioration, pH increase and loss of DM and OM, while Tuxpeño obtained less stability and greater deterioration. In conclusion, the genotype did influence the chemical composition of fresh and ensiled forage, which affected the feeding value and in vitro rumen degradability, and the Amarillo and hybrid genotypes presented the best values in the evaluated parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]