Abstract
An in vitro study was planned to assess the effects of a homofermentative microbial inoculant on the fermentation parameters and nutritive value of corn silage. The inoculant was applied at concentrations of 5x104cfu/g of forage (T1), 1x105cfu/g of forage (T2) 1.5x105cfu/g of forage (T3) and a negative control group (T0) without bacterial inoculant in three replicates each. At day 3, 7, 45 and 90 of the experiment individual buckets were opened to characterize the material, quick acidification, dry matter recovery, and aerobic stability of silage respectively. The temperature of the trial samples was 32.75±1.92 throughout the trial duration. A rapid and significant reduction in pH even at third day of trial from 6.5 to 3.61 in the treatment (T2 and T3) groups and remained consistent till 90 day of experiment (with non-significant fluctuations) when compared with control group (6.5 to 5.0). The levels of lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acids were significantly (P<0.05) higher for treatment groups (i.e. T2 and T3) than the T1 and T0 groups and almost stabilized till 90 day of the trial. A consistency in dry matter contents were observed at 3rd, 7th and 90th day of trial for T2 and T3 treatment groups. As far as the crude protein contents are concerned, a non-significant reduction was observed in treatment groups. Overall, inoculant shows nutritive stability and consistency of acids produced at 1x105cfu/g and 1.5x105cfu/g inclusion levels of inoculant.
Highlights
Ensiling is the process of preservation of green fodder under anaerobic environmental conditions for cattle feeding around the year
Corn silage is a very heterogeneous material consisting of starch and fiber
Decline in pH during silage formation is an indicator of its quality (Moharrery, 1997)
Summary
Ensiling (silage making) is the process of preservation of green fodder under anaerobic environmental conditions for cattle feeding around the year. The aim of silage making is to achieve within the ensiled mass a sufficient concentration of lactic acid produced as a result of the presence of micro-organisms within the cut crop; to inhibit other forms of bacterial activity and preserving the material (Cheli et al, 2013). This basic concept comprises of the factors essential for lactic acid production such as elimination of air, availability of ample carbohydrates, adequate moisture content and the initiation of an early and rapid fermentation. Corn silage is a very heterogeneous material consisting of starch (grain) and fiber (fodder) It is lower in crude protein (CP) and higher in digestible energy (DE) than other forages. Corn is relatively easy to ensile (Allen et al, 2003)
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