Effects of whole-plant corn silage relocation on quality, chemical composition, and intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of relocation of whole-plant corn (Zea mays) silages (WPCS) with different fermentation profiles on quality, chemical composition, and intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep. The corn crop was ensiled in 24 plastic drums (200 L) in a completely randomized design, achieving an average density of 628.5 ± 11.7 kg m−3. The treatments comprised corn silage (not inoculated and not relocated; CS), silages relocated for 12 h (R-12 h), silages inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum and relocated for 12 h (IR-12 h), and silages relocated for 24 h (R-24 h). Silos were stored for 30 days after ensiling, then opened, ensiled again, and stored for another 45 days after relocation. For the intake and digestibility assay, 24 male Santa Inês sheep were used, with an average body weight of 17.5 ± 1.8 kg, in a completely randomized block design for 21 days. The pH of 2 (after the second fermentation) of non-relocated WPCS was lower (P = 0.05) than that of relocated silages. The ammonia nitrogen content was higher (P < 0.01) in R-24 h silages than in R-12 h silages. Aerobic stability was lower (P = 0.02) in silages relocated for 12 h than in R-24 h silages. Relocation, time of relocation, and the use of L. plantarum had no effect on dry matter (DM) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake by sheep. The relocation, the time of relocation, and the use of L. plantarum did not alter the DM and nutrient digestibility, the TDN of silages, and the nitrogen balance of the sheep. Relocation of whole-plant corn silage for 12 or 24 h does not compromise preservation quality nor its nutrient utilization by sheep.