The effects of wilting and storage temperatures on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of stylo silage

In order to clarify the ensiling characteristics of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis Swartz), the effects of wilting (no wilting, light wilting and heavy wilting) and storage temperatures (10°C, 20°C, 30°C and 40°C) on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of stylo silage were investigated. Wilting had no significant influence on the contents of crude protein, ether extract and acid detergent fiber, and numbers of lactic acid bacteria, aerobic bacteria, yeasts and mold (P > 0.05). Heavy wilted material, wilted for 12 h, had higher neutral detergent fiber content and lower water‐soluble carbohydrate content than unwilted and light wilted materials (P < 0.05). Wilting and storage temperatures had significant effects on pH value, acetic acid, butyric acid and NH₃‐N contents of stylo silage (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Wilting tended to reduce acetic acid and NH₃‐N contents and improve the fermentation quality of stylo silage. In all the silages, no wilting silage ensiled at 30°C had the highest butyric acid content (P < 0.05). High temperature of 40°C markedly restricted the growth of lactic acid bacteria and aerobic bacteria in silage, irrespective of wilting. The wilted silage or silage stored at low temperature had poor aerobic stability.     

Relationships between the addition rates of cellulase or glucose and silage fermentation at different temperatures

The influence of the application rates of cellulase preparation and glucose on silage fermentation at different temperatures was studied with the straw of naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L. emand Lam) and guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). Addition rate of cellulase and glucose, temperature and their interaction had significant effects on pH value, lactic acid content, butyric acid content and propionic acid content of naked barley straw silage and significant effects on all the parameters of guineagrass silage (P < 0.01). Temperature and interaction had significant effect on acetic acid content (P < 0.05) and no significant effect on NH₃‐N content of naked barley straw silage (P > 0.05). Under all the temperatures, the pH values of barley straw and guineagrass silages were reduced by cellulase and glucose addition even at the lowest rate (P < 0.05), compared with their corresponding control. Lactic acid contents of silages were the highest within the same temperature and same additive when glucose and cellulase were added at the highest rates, whereas the effect of cellulase and glucose addition on butyric acid production varied with their application rates and silage storage temperature. The addition rate of restricting butyric acid fermentation was lower at 20°C than that at 30°C, and it was the lowest at 40°C where cellulase and glucose addition restricted butyric acid fermentation even at 0.1 g/kg and 10 g/kg, respectively, when compared to the control. While the addition rate was lower than the above level, cellulase and glucose addition also promoted butyric acid fermentation.     

Characteristics of isolated lactic acid bacteria and their effectiveness to improve stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis Sw.) silage quality at various temperatures

Two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus SC1 and Lactobacillus paraplantarum SC2 isolated from king grass silage, were characterized and their effectiveness to improve the silage fermentation quality of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis Sw.) was studied. Strain SC1 was able to grow at a high temperature of 45°C, while SC2 did not. SC2 normally grew at a low pH of 4.0, while SC1 could not. These two strains and a commercial inoculant of LAB (L. plantarum, LP) were used as additives to stylo silage preparation at various temperatures (20°C, 30°C and 40°C). All LAB inoculants significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the pH value and ammonia-N content, and increased the ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid and quality score compared with the control. In addition, inoculating LAB strains markedly (P < 0.05) reduced butyric acid content at the temperatures of 30°C and 40°C. Compared to SC2 and LP strains, strain SC1 was the most effective for improving stylo silage quality at 20°C, indicated by the increase in lactic acid, ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid and quality score. At 30°C and 40°C, there were no significant differences among SC1, SC2 and LP treatments in pH values, contents of acetic acid, butyric acid and ammonia-N (P > 0.05).     

Effect of grape pomace on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grape pomace (GP) with different adding levels (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, fresh matter basis), alone (GP‐LAB) or in combine with an inoculant LAB (GP+LAB), on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage. After 90 days of ensiling in vacuumized mini‐silos, silages were subject to a 7‐day aerobic stability test, in which chemical, microbial and polyphenol composition were measured. In the GP‐LAB group, adding GP decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and butyric acid in silage. In the GP+LAB group, adding GP increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of lactic acid, WSC and crude protein, decreased (P < 0.05) final pH value, NH₃‐N ratio and butyric acid concentration in silage. Polyphenol level was reduced (P < 0.05) after silage fermentation. During aerobic exposure, the fungi count, pH value and silage temperature increased (P < 0.05), the levels of lactic acid, acetic acid and polyphenols (quercetin 3‐O‐glucoside and quercetin 3‐O‐glucuronid) decreased (P < 0.05) in silage. GP+LAB treated silage had a lag phase for aerobic spoilage. When the fermentation products, microbial counts, chemical and polyphenol composition were considered, the use of 10% GP+LAB at ensiling could provide a valuable source for improved fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage.     

Effects of chemical additives on the fermentation quality and N distribution of alfalfa silage in south of China

In order to better utilize the last cut alfalfa harvested before killing frost in a high moisture environment, the effects of chemical additives on the quality of alfalfa silage were studied in south of China. The alfalfa was freshly harvested at branching stage, and wilted by dry matter content of about 300 g/kg (fresh matter basis). Silage was prepared by using a small‐scale silage fermentation system, where sucrose, potassium citrate, sodium carbonate, formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid were used as silage additives, and no additives served as control. These silos were stored at ambient temperature (5‐20°C), and the silage qualities were analyzed after 120 days of fermentation. All additive treatments affected the chemical composition and N distribution, increased the water‐soluble content and crude protein contents, decreased non‐protein nitrogen (NPN) content, and enhanced the in vitro ruminal dry matter digestibility (except for sodium carbonate). Silages treated with organic acids were preserved with significantly (P < 0.05) lower pH value, ethanol content and NPN content compared with control. When the fermentation quality, chemical composition and N distribution were considered, the treatment with sucrose or organic acids resulted in high quality of alfalfa silage ensiled before killing frost, with formic acid having the best effect.     

Effects of inoculants and environmental temperature on fermentation quality and bacterial diversity of alfalfa silage

To investigate the effects of inoculants and environmental temperature on fermentation quality and bacterial diversity of alfalfa silage, first‐cut alfalfa was ensiled with or without two screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lactobacillus plantarum, LP, and Lactobacillus casei, LC. Each treatment was divided into three parts and stored at 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, respectively. After 60 days ensiling, fermentation characteristics were measured and bacterial diversity was investigated by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. LP and LC decreased pH, coliform bacteria counts and increased lactic acid content at 20°C, and the two strains decreased pH, ammonia‐N concentration, coliform bacteria counts at 30°C. When the environmental temperature was 40°C, silage treated with LC showed lower LAB and coliform bacteria counts and higher lactic acid content than the untreated and LP treated silages. Butyric acid mainly appeared in silages stored at 40°C. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in alfalfa silages stored at 20°C and 30°C was highest and increased after LP and LC were added. Garciella was another dominant genus in silages stored at 40°C. In conclusion, LP and LC improved fermentation quality of alfalfa silage by increasing Lactobacillus proportions at 20°C and 30°C; ensiling alfalfa at 40°C was difficult because of Garciella.     

苜蓿与玉米混贮质量研究

以玉米与苜蓿为原料,按不同比例混贮;通过发酵品质和营养成分分析,找出二者混贮的适宜配比。结果表明: 1)各混贮处理发酵品质较苜蓿单贮均得到改善,达到优质青贮的目的; 2)玉米与苜蓿3∶7混贮处理CP和Ash含量高于玉米单贮,低于苜蓿单贮,差异显著(P＜0.05),而NDF和ADF含量低于玉米单贮,高于苜蓿单贮,差异显著(P＜0.05);3)玉米与苜蓿5∶5、7∶3混贮处理pH值较苜蓿单贮显著降低(P＜0.05);各混贮处理乳酸占总酸百分比均达到60%以上,乙酸、丙酸占总酸百分比较苜蓿单贮降低,丁酸产生较少; 4)苜蓿青贮后乳酸菌数达到10⁸ cfu/g FM,玉米青贮前后乳酸菌数差异不明显,青贮后各处理大肠杆菌数明显下降。7∶3混贮处理发酵品质最佳。     

Effect of lactic acid bacteria,molasses, and their combination on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of cassava foliage silage

This study investigated the effects of LAB inoculants (L) and molasses (M) on the microbial community and fermentation quality of cassava foliage (CF). The small segments (about 2–3 cm) CF were ensiled in plastic bags and incubated at normal temperature (25°C). Four treatments were carried out as follows: control (no additives, CK), LAB inoculants (Lactobacillus plantarum, L), molasses (M), and LAB in combination with molasses (LM). The LAB and molasses obviously altered the bacterial community structure of the CF silage and enhanced the fermentation quality. The combination addition could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus and reduce the Pseudomonas. The LAB and molasses also significantly elevated the lactic acid concentration (P < 0.001) and decreased the pH (P < 0.001), as well as the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia-N (P < 0.05). In addition, the combination treatment displayed more effective results on silage fermentation. The LAB and molasses improved the fermentation quality of the CF silage by altering the bacterial community structure. Furthermore, the bacterial community was significantly correlated with fermentation indexes.     

Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 producing anti‐yeast substances to improve the aerobic stability of silage

Enhancing the aerobic stability of silage is very important in silage production. The objective of this study was to compare the roles of a new bacterial strain Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 with Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso‐1 (LP) and Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 (LB) in improving the aerobic stability of oat silage and identify the anti‐yeast substances produced by them. After ensiled for 45 days, either inoculated silages or control silage were of pH values lower than 4.2. The control and LP inoculated silage had poorer aerobic stability than LB and ZH1 inoculated ones (p < 0.05). ZH1 inoculated silage produced more acetic acid, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid than LB inoculated one and had the best aerobic stability (p < 0.05). In MRS medium, strain ZH1 produced more hexadecanoic acid than LP and LB strains, more benzoic acid than strain LP (p < 0.05), and the equal amount of benzoic acid to LB (p > 0.05). In addition, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid had low minimal inhibitory concentrations to target yeasts in the pure culture. In conclusion, L. parafarraginis ZH1 had stronger anti‐yeast potential and more effectively improved the aerobic stability of silage than other strains used in this study.     

The effects of replacement of whole‐plant corn with oat and common vetch on the fermentation quality,chemical composition and aerobic stability of total mixed ration silage in Tibet

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of replacement of whole‐plant corn with oat and common vetch on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability of total mixed ration (TMR) silage in Tibet. Four TMR that varied in the forage sources on dry matter basis were used: (i) 52% whole‐plant corn (Control); (ii) 43% oat + 12% common vetch (OC3.6); (iii) 38% oat + 18% common vetch (OC2.2); and (iv) 33% oat + 23% common vetch (OC1.5). Silos were opened on day 45 and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 12 days. The results showed that all silages were well preserved with low pH and NH₃‐N, and high lactic acid and V‐scores. With the increasing proportion of common vetch, crude protein, ether extract increased (P < 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased (P < 0.05). Under aerobic conditions, treated silages were more stable than the control silage as indicated by lower (P < 0.05) pH and yeast population. It was concluded that replacement of whole‐plant corn with oat and common vetch had no unfavorable effects on the fermentation quality and improved crude protein content and aerobic stability of TMR silage. OC2.2 silage was the best among three treated TMR silages.     

Effects of moisture content and additives on the ensiling quality and vitamins changes of alfalfa silage with or without rain damage

We investigated the effects of moisture, rain damage, and additives on fermentation quality and vitamins change in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage. Two moisture content alfalfa (53 and 72% moisture content) were received artificial rain damage. Then, the formic acid and L. plantarum (LP) + sucrose were added. After 30 days, silos were opened. The significant interaction between rain damage and moisture content were found for nutrients and fermentation characteristics in alfalfa silage, which showed more rain damage effects occurred in 53% moisture content rather than in 72% moisture content material. Treatment with LP + sucrose had lower pH value, ammonia‐N/total N, and higher lactic acid content compared to the other additives. The concentrations of α‐tocopherol and phylloquinone increased, but thiamine, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid decreased in alfalfa silage treated with LP + sucrose, especially when the alfalfa was subjected to rain damage. The highly significant correlations were found between pantothenic acid (VB5) and pH, and between VB5 and lactic acid. The improvements in fermentation quality by adding of LP + sucrose was observed after rain damage for either 53% or 72% moisture alfalfa, which can be a guideline for forage processor who ensiles alfalfa after rain damage.     

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 (> 10⁵ cfu/g fresh matter (FM)); however, it numerically reduced aerobic stability for 6 h. P and PL silages showed fewer yeasts (< 10⁵ 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.     

不同添加剂和青贮密度对紫花苜蓿青贮品质的影响

本研究以第二茬初花期刈割的紫花苜蓿为原料,晾晒至干物质含量在60%左右,针对影响苜蓿青贮品质的添加剂和青贮密度两个因素,设计两因素试验,分别在600和650 kg·m^-3青贮密度条件下添加植物乳杆菌(LP, Lactobacillus. plantarum)、乳酪乳杆菌(LC, Lactobacillus. casei)、蔗糖(S, sucrose)、纤维素酶(CE, acremonium cellulose)、LP+S、LC+S、LP+CE和LC+CE,以不添加作为对照。发酵45 d后进行开罐分析。结果表明,处理组S、S+LP和S+LC对于苜蓿青贮品质有一定的改善,这3个处理组的pH值、丁酸含量、NDF含量和ADF含量均低于对照组;添加CE、LP+CE和LC+CE对苜蓿青贮品质没有明显的改善;添加剂对苜蓿青贮品质有显著影响(P<0.05),青贮密度对苜蓿青贮品质没有明显改善,但对干物质含量和氨态氮占总氮含量有显著影响(P<0.05);两因素对苜蓿青贮品质的影响没有明显的交互作用(P>0.05)。     

添加乳酸菌和菠萝皮对柱花草青贮品质的影响

柱花草是热带、亚热带的优质豆科牧草,蛋白含量高、营养品质好,为促进柱花草的加工利用,本试验研究了添加不同乳酸菌和菠萝皮对其青贮发酵品质和有氧稳定性的影响。青贮处理为CK(对照)、LQ(青贮宝)、LF(发酵乳杆菌)、LP(植物乳杆菌)、LS(鼠李糖乳杆菌)、B(20%菠萝皮)、BLQ(B+LQ)、BLF(B+LF)、BLP(B+LP)、BLS(B+LS)。添加处理后青贮60 d进行分析。结果表明,柱花草含有较少的可溶性碳水化合物和乳酸菌,自然青贮其pH超过5.0,发酵品质差;所有添加物都显著降低pH、增加乳酸含量(P＜0.05),明显改善了柱花草青贮料的发酵品质。单独添加菠萝皮的丁酸和NH₃-N含量显著高于所有单独添加乳酸菌(P＜0.05),pH与LP以外的其他3种乳酸菌差异不显著(P＞0.05)。除LP的乙酸含量较高,丁酸含量较低外,4种乳酸菌对其他各个发酵指标的影响没有显著差异(P＞0.05)。本试验所用4种乳酸菌与菠萝皮混合添加,都进一步改善了柱花草青贮料的发酵品质,特别是BLP的青贮效果最佳,其pH值、乙酸和NH₃-N含量低,乳酸含量及乳酸与乙酸比高。青贮袋开封后,包括对照在内的所有青贮料的有氧稳定性均较佳。     

刈割期及添加剂对苜蓿青贮品质及CNCPS蛋白组分的影响

本试验旨在研究生物及化学添加剂对不同时期刈割的苜蓿青贮品质的影响。试验采用现蕾期和初花期刈割的中苜一号苜蓿(70%水分含量)为原料,分别设置添加:1)空白组;2)乳酸菌+纤维素酶(10⁵cfu/g+50 mg/kg);3)乳酸菌+纤维素酶(10⁵cfu/g+100 mg/kg);4)甲酸+丙酸(6 mL/kg)4个处理组,使用0.5 L塑料桶调制罐装青贮,并于发酵30 d后开罐取样分析。结果表明,与现蕾期相比,初花期苜蓿青贮饲料的乳酸(LA)产量较高,丁酸(BA)和氨态氮(NH3-N)生成量较低(P<0.01),pH值也较低(P<0.05),同时非蛋白氮(PA)和结合蛋白质(PC)含量也显著低于现蕾期(P<0.01)。3个添加剂处理组均显著地提高了青贮发酵的品质,降低pH值(P<0.01)和氨态氮生成量(P<0.01)。其中,乳酸菌+纤维素酶显著地提高了乳酸含量及乳酸/乙酸(LA/AA)(P<0.01),甲酸+丙酸则显著抑制了丁酸的产生(P<0.01)。同时,3组添加剂均显著地提高了青贮饲料中可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)和粗蛋白(CP)的含量,并降低了中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的含量(P<0.01)。就蛋白组分而言,乳酸菌+纤维素酶(10⁵ cfu/g+100 mg/kg)和甲酸+丙酸处理组显著地降低了青贮饲料中非蛋白氮和结合蛋白质的含量(P<0.01),提高了真蛋白(PB)的含量(P<0.01)。综合而言,甲酸+丙酸处理组苜蓿青贮料的品质最佳,乳酸菌+纤维素酶(10⁵ cfu/g+100 mg/kg)次之。     

Study on the bacterial community structure and fermentation characteristics of fresh and ensiled paper mulberry

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the bacterial community of fresh and ensiled paper mulberry prepared with or without lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants in South China. In Experiment 1, the bacterial community, chemical composition, and fermentation products of paper mulberry were analyzed. The results showed that fresh paper mulberry had high crude protein content, buffering capacity value, and amounts of uncultured bacteria. Ensiled paper mulberry showed poor fermentation with high pH value, ammonia–N content, and butyric acid content. In addition, Enterobacter was the dominant genus in silage, followed by Lactobacillus and Enterococcus. Water-soluble carbohydrates, ammonia–N, propionic acid, pH, and lactic acid (LA) were the main factors affecting bacterial community of silage. In Experiment 2, the BP17 (Lactobacillus plantarum) from natural fermented paper mulberry silage and two commercial inoculants (Silage-help [SH] and Chikuso-1 [CH]) were used as additives. Compared with other treatments, BP17 inoculant decreased (p < 0.05) pH and ammonia–N content and increased (p < 0.05) LA content of silage. Inoculation of BP17 also increased the dominance of desirable Lactobacillus and inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria in silage. These results confirmed that paper mulberry could be ensiled and epiphytic LAB inoculant can improve its fermentation quality.     

紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混贮发酵品质和营养成分分析

以新鲜及晾晒后的紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦为原料,分别设计紫花苜蓿单贮、裸燕麦单贮、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶1、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1及裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶2混贮等5个处理,青贮60 d后,对其感官评分、发酵品质和营养成分等进行分析。结果表明,鲜贮苜蓿在感官评定、V-Score及Kaiser评价体系中表现一般,而晾晒及混合青贮各处理组均能不同程度提高青贮评分。晾晒和混合青贮对发酵品质产生影响,两者显著或极显著降低pH值、 PA(丙酸)、AA(乙酸)、BA(丁酸)和AN/TN(氨态氮/总氮)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),显著或极显著升高LA(乳酸)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),其中以裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1降低或升高最明显。晾晒对青贮饲料的干物质、可溶性碳水化合物及粗灰分含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分含量影响不大(P>0.05)。混合比例对青贮饲料的所有发酵项目均有极显著影响(P＜0.01),对粗蛋白质、可溶性碳水化合物及中性洗涤纤维含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分指标影响不显著(P>0.05)。晾晒和混合青贮的交互作用可显著提高青贮饲料的发酵品质,但对养分含量影响不明显。因此,从青贮后感官评价、发酵品质及养分含量来看,紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混合青贮品质优于单独青贮,且晾晒相对于鲜贮更易于青贮,而无论晾晒和鲜贮,当裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1时,青贮品质均优于其他各组。     

同型发酵乳杆菌对低水分紫花苜蓿青贮发酵品质及体外消化率的影响

为研究同型发酵乳杆菌对低水分紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa)青贮发酵品质及体外消化的影响,本试验以田间晾晒5 h后的紫花苜蓿(干物质含量为50%)为原料,添加不同种类同型发酵乳杆菌[棒状乳杆菌(LCO)、干酪乳杆菌(LCA)、植物乳杆菌(LP)和戊糖乳杆菌(LPE)],调制青贮饲料,青贮60 d后,测定其发酵品质,基于康奈尔净碳水化合物-蛋白质体系评价其营养价值,并采用体外产气法评价其消化效率。结果表明:LPE处理组青贮饲料pH值显著低于其他各组(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,LCO,LCA和LPE处理组氨态氮含量均显著降低(P<0.05),各处理组的非蛋白氮含量均显著降低(P<0.05),LP和LPE处理组快速降解蛋白和中速降解蛋白含量均显著升高(P<0.05),而LP和LCA组快速降解碳水化合物显著降低(P<0.05)。体外发酵试验中,LPE组青贮饲料产气量、干物质消化率和中性洗涤纤维消化率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。因此,干物质含量为50%的低水分紫花苜蓿青贮饲料中,添加戊糖乳杆菌能够提高其发酵品质、营养价值及体外消化效率。     

Influences of Northern Leaf Blight on corn silage fermentation quality,nutritive value and feed intake by sheep

This study examined the differences between non‐inoculated (control) corn and Northern Leaf Blight (NLB)‐damaged corn (inoculated corn); dry matter (DM) yield, silage fermentation quality, nutritive value and feed intake by sheep were compared. Leaf, stem and grain dry weights and gross yield of inoculated corn were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased compared with control corn. The contents of water‐soluble carbohydrate and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) were decreased in inoculated corn compared with control corn. Silage made from both inoculated and control corn showed good fermentation quality. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, ether extract, NFE, and energy of silage made from inoculated corn were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, and contents of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible energy (DE) were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with silage made from the control corn. DM intake showed no significant discrepancy between the two types of silage. TDN and DE intakes from inoculated silage were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with control silage. From the above results it was shown that NLB caused a decrease in DM yield and NFE content in corn and a decrease in the nutritive value and feed intake of silage.     

Interactive effects of molasses by homofermentative and heterofermentative inoculants on fermentation quality,nitrogen fractionation,nutritive value and aerobic stability of wilted alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) silage

The effect of adding molasses (0, UM or 50 g/kg on DM basis, M) and two types of inoculant including homofermentative (HO) and a combination of homofermentative and propionate‐producing bacterial (HOPAB) inoculants on silage fermentation quality, nitrogen fractionation and aerobic stability of pre‐bloom, wilted alfalfa (AS) was determined in laboratory silos. The HOPAB inoculant was more effective than HO in reducing the alfalfa silage pH but increased propionate content in the absence of M (p < 0.05). Inoculation of HOPAB reduced (p < 0.01) acid detergent fibre (ADF) and increased (p < 0.01) lactate to acetate ratio compared with uninoculated AS. Acetate concentration was lower (p < 0.01) in HOPAB‐inoculated than other AS. This difference was more pronounced in M‐added AS (inoculants × M interaction, p = 0.01). Both inoculants reduced (p < 0.01) ammonia‐N content in AS added with M, whereas only HOPAB decreased (p < 0.01) ammonia‐N concentration in silage without M. Inoculants increased (p < 0.01) B₂ fraction in AS with M addition but had no effect on AS without M. Treating silages with HO‐UM increased (p < 0.05) C fraction (acid‐detergent insoluble‐N) but HOPAB decreased C fraction at two levels of M. Treating alfalfa crop with M and HOPAB improved aerobic stability by increasing the concentration of acetate and propionate of AS respectively. Adding M tended (p < 0.10) to increase short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and cumulative gas production (CGP). HOPAB alone increased DM disappearance at 24 h post‐incubation and effective degradability assuming outflow rate of 8%/h relative to untreated AS (p < 0.05). It was concluded that adding M had no pronounced effects on AS fermentation quality, but increased aerobic stability. HOPAB‐inoculated AS with no addition of M improved fermentation quality and increased DM degradability compared with HO.