Farm‐scale method for producing high‐quality rice grain silage

Abstract

AbstractWe examined three types of ensiling container and two storage periods with respect to the fermentation quality of rice grain silage, and our findings confirmed that a method previously identified as optimal for silage production at the laboratory scale was also appropriate for farm‐scale production. Crushed rice grain was adjusted to 30% moisture content, inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and ensiled in plastic pouches (200 g), plastic drums (15 kg) and flexible containers (100 kg). Samples of silage from the surface layer in the flexible containers had the pH value >5 and fungal growth was observed, but all internal samples had low pH (<4). Extending storage in the drums from 60 to 365 days reduced the lactic acid content of the internal samples, but pH remained at an acceptable level of <4.2. Overall, the production method outlined is appropriate at the farm scale.