Fermentation Of Alfalfa Silage Research Articles

In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of alfalfa silages in response to different pre-ensiling treatments

The present study investigated the in vitro ruminal fermentation of alfalfa silages (AS) that had been produced using different pre-ensiling treatments, i.e., by changing the wilting intensity and dry matter concentration, and adding sucrose, and therefore differed in silage quality and their N fractions. The data were obtained using an in vitro rumen-simulation technique (Rusitec) system, in which the AS were incubated isonitrogenously in quadruplicate. Samples were taken after 2 days (first time point) and 7 days (second time point) of AS incubation, and a variety of fermentation characteristics as well as the degradability of fiber fractions and organic matter were determined. Sucrose addition substantially raised the propionate concentration during both sampling time points from an average of 17.8 to 29.7 mmol/L (P < 0.001), which might be explained by microbial utilization of residual sugars and lactate from the AS. The extraordinary high concentrations of isovalerate and ammonia-N with all AS point to enhanced deamination activity. At the second time point, the n-butyrate concentration increased during the incubation of high-intensity wilted AS (P = 0.007), which might have been caused by the higher hemicellulose degradability that was also observed for these silages (P = 0.002). However, the organic matter degradability decreased (P = 0.035), indicating a lower degradability of other feed fractions. The gas production (P < 0.001) and degradability of organic matter (P = 0.002) and fiber fractions (P < 0.001) decreased from first to second time point, whereas the concentrations of ammonia-N (P = 0.004), acetate (P < 0.001), and isovalerate (P < 0.001) increased. Thus, it seemed that alterations in the Rusitec system and the microbial community occurred, yet it is unclear why the acetate concentration increased, whereas the fiber degradability decreased. The beneficial effects of combining all three pre-ensiling treatments on silage quality, i.e., higher acidification and increased true protein preservation, were not fully transferred to the in vitro ruminal fermentation system, and comprehensive research on pre-ensiling treatments will pave the way for an optimized ruminal N utilization from AS in the future.

Novel lactic acid bacteria strains as inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation

The effects of new strains of lactic acid bacteria on alfalfa silage fermentation were evaluated. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design (with three replicates) based on a 6 × 6 factorial assay with 6 inoculants (I): Control (CTRL), Commercial inoculant (CI), Lactobacillus pentosus 14.7SE (LPE), Lactobacillus plantarum 3.7E (LP), Pediococcus pentosaceus 14.15SE (PP), and Lactobacillus plantarum 3.7E + Pediococcus pentosaceus 14.15SE (LP + PP), and six fermentation periods (P): 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Alfalfa was wilted for 6 h in the field, which increased the dry matter content to 368 g/kg as fed. The CP and yeast population decreased during the fermentation process. Silage inoculated with the PP strain had the lowest pH values beginning at 14 d of fermentation and the lowest acetic acid concentration on the last day of fermentation. New strains more efficiently regulated enterobacteria and mold populations at days 56 and 28, respectively. Silages inoculated with the PP strain had a higher coefficient of in vitro dry matter digestibility than LP silages. All of the tested novel strains resulted in positive effects on at least one chemical property of the silage during the fermentation process. However, the adding of P. pentosaceus can be indicated as the better for silage quality considering the tested treatments in the present study.

Utjecaj bakterijskih inokulanta na kemijski sastav i fermentaciju silaže lucerne

Managing alfalfa silage in livestock production systems is an important issue in order to maintain the silage quality and achieve maximum profitable production of milk and meat. The aim of this study was to estimate effects of commercial bacterial inoculants on chemical composition and fermentation of alfalfa silage, under field conditions in the commercial dairy farm, during 2017. The silage mass was subdivided into five equal parts (control - silage without inoculant) and silages treated with commercial bacterial inoculants (PIO 1 - Pioneer 11H50, PIO2 - Pioneer 11AFT, SIL - Silko and BON - Bosilage alfa) all ensiled in microsilos. After 90 days of ensiling, silages were analysed for chemical and nutritional composition and fermentation characteristics. Dry matter and crude protein value were higher, lactic acid and acetic acid value were significantly higher in silage treated with bacterial inoculant PIO1, PIO2, SIL and BON compared to control silage. Contrary, alfalfa silage treated with a bacterial inoculant PIO1, PIO2, SIL and BON had lower values of acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and pH and significantly lower values butyric acid, alcohols and NH3-N/total nitrogen compared to control silage. Results showed that bacterial inoculant PIO1, PIO2, SIL and BON increases silage quality compared to control silage.

Influences of addition of malic acid or citric acid, Lactobacillus plantarum and their mixtures on fermentation quality, proteolysis and fatty acid composition of ensiled alfalfa

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two organic acids [malic acid (MA) and citric acid (CA)], Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and their mixtures on the fermentation of alfalfa silage. The wilted and chopped alfalfa was ensiled in vacuum-sealed plastic bags (200–230 g per bag) with following additives: 0.5% distilled water (control), 0.5% DL-MA, 0.5% CA, LP (1 · 106 cfu/g), 0.5% DL-MA plus LP (MA+LP) or 0.5% CA plus LP (CA+LP) (application rates based on fresh weight). Each treatment had four replicates and was stored at room temperature. After 60 d of ensiling, decreases in pH, non-protein N (NPN) and increases in lactic acid were observed in all additive-treated silages (p < 0.01). Compared with treatment LP, higher pH and lower lactic acid concentrations were observed after MA or CA addition (p < 0.05) and further application of MA or CA together with LP did not promote lactic acid fermentation in ensiled alfalfa. Furthermore, additives decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids and increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in ensiled alfalfa, with the highest level in CA-treated silages (p < 0.05). Although MA and CA were not as effective as LP in improving silage fermentation quality, treatments MA+LP and CA+LP were more effective in decreasing silage NPN, and CA was most effective in inhibiting biohydrogenation of fatty acids in ensiled alfalfa.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage quality: assessment of degradation (in situ) and gas production (in vitro)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is difficult to ensile successfully because of the low content of moisture and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in fresh alfalfa and the high buffering capacity in fresh alfalfa. Here, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus) on silage quality, in situ ruminal degradability, and in vitro fermentation of alfalfa silage. The first cut of alfalfa was wilted, chopped, and randomly divided into four groups: the control (CON) and control mixed with three separate LAB inoculants (106 cfu g−1). Simmental steers with a body weight of (452±18) kg and with installed rumen fistulas were prepared for in situ degradation and for in vitro gas production. LAB inoculants had a lower (P<0.05) content of butyric acid than the CON group. Among them, the L. casei inoculated silage had a higher (P<0.05) content of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and a lower (P<0.05) NH3-H content. The effective degradation (ED) of crude protein in LAB inoculation decreased (P<0.05), while the ED of acid detergent fiber increased (P<0.05) in situ fermentation. The alfalfa silage with LAB inoculants produced more carbon dioxide (P<0.05). The NH3-H content of mixed incubation fluid in L. casei inoculated silage was lower (P<0.05) compared with other groups. Therefore, this study showed that LAB inoculants could improve both ensiling quality and degradation. In particular, the L. casei inoculations exhibited better performance by limiting proteolysis during ensiling.

Effects of chlorpyrifos and chlorantraniliprole on fermentation quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage inoculated with or without Lactobacillus plantarum LP.

The effects of pesticides and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on fermentation quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage were investigated. Chlorpyrifos and chlorantraniliprole were sprayed on the surface of alfalfa plants at 658.6 and 45.0 g active ingredient/ha, respectively. Alfalfa plants were harvested on day 5 post-application and ensiled with or without LP. Chlorpyrifos and chlorantraniliprole decreased the yeast count of alfalfa material (P < 0.05). Both pesticides increased the butyric acid content of alfalfa silage (P < 0.001). Chlorpyrifos increased pH and decreased lactic acid, acetic acid and short-chain fatty acid contents (P < 0.05). LP decreased pH and butyric acid content, and increased lactic acid and short-chain fatty acid contents of alfalfa silage treated with pesticides (P < 0.05). LP increased the concentration of chlorpyrifos residue in alfalfa silage (P < 0.05). Chlorpyrifos and chlorantraniliprole affected the microbial communities of the material before ensiling, especially coliform bacteria and yeast; the two pesticide residues were reduced after the fermentation of alfalfa silage and affected the fermentation process, whereas LP improved the fermentation quality of pesticides-contaminated alfalfa silage and slowed down the dissipation of chlorpyrifos.

The effect of bacterial inoculant on chemical composition and fermentation of alfalfa silage

Alfalfa silage is a useful source of protein for feeding ruminants. Therefore, managing alfalfa silage in livestock production systems is an important issue in order to maintain the silage quality and achieve maximum profitable production of milk and meat. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the effects of bacterial inoculant Silko, containing Lactobacillus plantarum (strains: LP1, LP2, LP3 and LP4) on chemical composition, energetic characteristics and fermentation alfalfa silage under field conditions in the commercial dairy farm, during the 2016. The first-cut alfalfa in the second year has been conserved in silage form. The silage mass was subdivided into two equal parts (control (silage without inoculant) and silages treated with bacterial inoculant Silko) and ensiled in trench silo. After 60 days of ensiling, the silages were analysed. Dry matter, ash, crude protein, lactic acid, acetic acid, total digestible nutrients value and relative feed value were significantly higher in silage treated with bacterial inoculant Silko compared to control. Contrary, alfalfa silage treated with a bacterial inoculant Silko had lower values of cellulose, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, nonnitro extractive matter, pH, butyric acid, soluble nitrogen/total nitrogen and NH3- N/total nitrogen than untreated silage. Results showed that bacterial inoculant Silko increases silage quality compared to control so that research should be directed toward the use of such prepared silage in ruminant diets and its impact on milk and meat production on farms.

The development of lactic acid bacteria and Lactobacillus buchneri and their effects on the fermentation of alfalfa silage

This study was conducted to document the development of populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Lactobacillus buchneri in alfalfa silage treated with various inoculants. Wilted and chopped alfalfa (45% dry matter) was treated with 1) distilled water (untreated, U), 2) Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 (4×105 cfu/g; LB), or 3) L. buchneri 40788 (4×105 cfu/g) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (1×105 cfu/g; LBPP). Forages were packed into triplicate vacuum-sealed, nylon-polyethylene bags per treatment, and ensiled for 2, 5, 45, 90, and 180 d. Viable (cfu) LAB in forage and silage were quantified by traditional plating on selective agar, and numbers of L. buchneri (cfu-equivalent, cfu-E) were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Fresh, untreated forage had 5.52 log cfu of LAB/g and 3.79 log cfu-E of L. buchneri/g. After 2 d of ensiling, numbers of LAB increased to >8 log cfu/g in all silages. In contrast, numbers of L. buchneri in U remained below 4 log cfu-E/g but reached approximately 7 log cfu-E/g in LB and LBPP. From d 5 onward, numbers of L. buchneri in U remained below 6 log cfu-E/g but approached 9 log cfu-E/g in LB and LBPP. The pH was lower in LBPP compared with U and LB after 2 and 5 d of ensiling, but pH was lower for U compared with LB and LBPP thereafter. Treatments LB and LBPP had more acetic acid than U at 45 d of ensiling, which coincided with detectable amounts of 1,2 propanediol. Inoculation with LBPP resulted in silage with the highest concentration of 1,2 propanediol after 180 d of ensiling. From d 45 onward, LB and LBPP silages had lower concentrations of residual water-soluble carbohydrates but had higher concentrations of ammonia-N than U. In conclusion, epiphytic L. buchneri can be detected in alfalfa but this population is unable to lead the silage fermentation. In contrast, when L. buchneri was added to silage as an inoculant, the numbers of L. buchneri (cfu-E) increased markedly but did not dictate fermentation until 45 d of ensiling. These findings help to explain why the response (in increased acetic acid) from the addition of L. buchneri in silages is not immediate.

Effects of a Mixture of Lactic Acid Bacteria Applied as a Freeze-Dried or Fresh Culture on the Fermentation of Alfalfa Silage

Alfalfa (approximately 31% DM) was untreated or treated with a silage inoculant containing the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum L-54, and L. plantarum Aber F1. The inoculant was added at a normal and a high dose as a freeze-dried powder that had been mixed with water just prior to application, or it was grown with nutrients the day before and added as a fresh culture. The actual application rate of lactic acid bacteria was 1.19×105 for the normal dose, 4.30×105 for the high dose, and 5.10×105 for the fresh culture. All inoculated silages showed a faster increase in the rate of lactic acid production and a decrease in the drop in pH over the first 24h of ensiling compared with untreated silage. The effect was greatest for silage treated with the fresh culture and was supported by the fact that this treatment had numbers of lactic acid bacteria that increased faster than in other treatments. Inoculation also generally resulted in a fermentation profile that was more homolactic (more lactic acid and less acetic acid, ethanol, and NH3-N) than for untreated silage, but the effect was greatest for the fresh culture. Inoculation did not affect in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestion or the concentrations of neutral detergent fiber or total N in silages. The recovery of dry matter was greater in silage that was treated with a high level of the freeze-dried culture or with the fresh culture when compared with the untreated control. This study showed that application of a silage inoculant as a freeze-dried culture or as a fresh culture resulted in alfalfa silage with a more homolactic fermentation profile. The effect was greatest from addition of the fresh culture.

The Effect of a Dry or Liquid Application of Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 on the Fermentation of Alfalfa Silage

Alfalfa was wilted to 30 and 54% dry matter and was untreated or treated with Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 applied either as a liquid or dry inoculant to determine whether form of inoculation affected silage fermentation. In silages with 30% dry matter, both forms of inoculation resulted in silages with more lactic acid and a lower pH than in untreated silage after 2 d of ensiling. In addition, both forms of inoculation resulted in silages with lower concentrations of acetic acid between 8 and 45 d of ensiling than in untreated silage. The ammonia-N content was also lower in silages that had been treated with both forms of inoculation during the early and intermediate stages of ensiling, but not after 45 d of ensiling. In silages containing 54% dry matter, dry and liquid inoculation produced a more rapid decrease in pH from d 4 to 14 when compared with untreated silage, but the effect was greater when the inoculant was applied in water. In contrast to findings from 30% silages, the inoculated silages with 54% dry matter had lower concentrations of ammonia-N than untreated silage from d 8 to 45, and both forms of inoculation were equally effective. The results of this study agree with previous research that shows that microbial inoculation can improve the fermentation of alfalfa silage. However, this report shows that a microbial inoculant was more effective when applied in a liquid- rather than a dry-form to alfalfa with a high DM content.

Vector-free cloning of a bacterial endo-1,4-beta-glucanase in Lactobacillus plantarum and its effect on the acidifying activity in silage: use of recombinant cellulolytic Lactobacillus plantarum as silage inoculant.

In this research, the advantage of use of cellulolytic recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum as microbial inoculants for alfalfa silage fermentation was evaluated. To such purpose, two L. plantarum strains, one (L. plantarum Lp80) currently commercialised and the other (L. plantarum B41) suitable as silage microbial additive, were genetically modified by integration of celA gene, encoding an alkaline endo-1,4-beta-glucanase from Bacillus sp., in the chromosome, by means of a vector-free cloning technique. The heterologous gene was cloned in two fashions: preceded by two promoters (AC1 modification) or in translational coupling with a partial upstream ORF (AC2 modification). Therefore two different genetically modified organisms (GMOs) per each wild-type (WT), producing 43-59 U/l cellulase in 16 h, were examined. Thirty-five micro-ensiling experiments were carried out by inoculating the WT or the derived GMOs. L. plantarum B41AC1 cellulolytic clone exhibited significantly increased acidification capacity in silage samples incubated at 37 degrees C. No advantage of use was evident for the other GMOs.

Effect of a commercial enzyme preparation on alfalfa silage fermentation and protein degradability

A commercial enzyme preparation (trade name Clampzyme) containing cellulases, hemicellulases and glucose oxidases was tested for ensiling of alfalfa at three dry matter levels, 16% and 22% unwilted and 28% wilted, in comparison with untreated control and formic acid treated silages. On average the enzyme-treated silages hd a lower pH (by 14.6% at P = 0.000), lower crude fibre content (by 16.0% at P = 0.000) and ammonia concentration (by 20.3% at P = 0.017), and higher water-soluble carbohydrates (by 115% at P = 0.000) and crude protein (by 11.8% at P = 0.006) contein preservation, increasing the control. The enzyme treatment had an undesirable effect on the silage protein preservation, increasing the buffer soluble nitrogen (by 16.9% at P = 0.014) and the free amino acid nitrogen (by 25.5% at P = 0.007) content compared with the untreated control. The enzyme-treated silages tended to have lower trichloroacetic acid insoluble nitrogen (by 7.8% at P = 0.080) than the control. The degradability of the silage protein in vitro (4-h incubation) was higher (by 28.0% at P = 0.006) for the enzyme-treated silages compared with the control. The same trend was observed in sacco where the difference over the control silages decreased from 11.9% ( P = 0.001) at the 1 h to 8.2% ( P = 0.001) at 24 and 4.3% ( P = 0.001) at 48 h of rumen incubation. In these experiments no protective effect of the formic acid on silage protein degradability in vitro or in sacco was observed. In conclusion, the enzyme treatment had a positive effect on alfalfa silage fermentation, in particular on reducing the crude fibre content and preserving the soluble sugars. An increase in rumen degradability of the silage protein in vitro and in sacco was observed with the rapidly degradable fraction of the protein being the most affected.

Effects of Biomate® inoculant and dextrose on the fermentation of alfalfa silages (1992)

This study documented once again that ensiling alfalfa is difficult and unpredictable. Adding 2% dextrose or Biomate® inoculant alone or in combination had little influence on the ensiling process but did improve fermentation efficiency somewhat. The pre-ensiling characteristics (i.e., dry matter (DM) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) values, buffering capacity, and epiphytic microflora) at the different cuttings and stages of maturity undoubtedly influenced the effectiveness of the two additives. Apparently, alfalfa often has too little WSC and too much buffering capacity to produce adequately preserved silage, especially when ensiled at a low DM content (less than 30 to 34%).

Fermentation of alfalfa silages with ozonated cotton stalks added

Fermentation of alfalfa silages with ozonated cotton stalks added

The effect of frequency of feeding and supplementation with sucrose on ruminal fermentation of alfalfa silage given ad libitum or restricted to sheep

Eight ruminally cannulated wethers were used in a factorial trial to examine the effect of frequency of feeding alfalfa silage and sucrose supplementation on voluntary intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and rate and extent of digestion in and passage from the rumen. When diets were fed ad libitum, frequency of feeding had no effect on voluntary intake, apparent digestibility or the postfeeding concentrations of rumen ammonia N, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and pH. Similarly, VFA ratios and fluid kinetics in the rumen were unaffected. Supplementation with sucrose reduced ruminal concentrations of ammonia N at the higher level of feeding but failed to influence any other measured parameters. When intake was restricted (18 g DM kg−1 body weight), increased feeding frequency reduced the post-feeding ruminal ammonia peak and reduced the post-feeding decline in pH; however, sucrose supplementation had no effect. Kinetics of the liquid phase in the rumen, particulate rate of passage and rate of digestion were not affected by feeding frequency or sucrose supplementation. It was concluded that effects observed at a restricted feeding level may not be apparent when feed is available ad libitum and vice versa. Key words: Sucrose, feeding frequency, alfalfa, silage, sheep

Effects of Temperature, Moisture, and Aeration on Fermentation of Alfalfa Silage

Effects of temperature, aeration, and DM on fermentation of alfalfa were evaluated. Third cutting alfalfa at 46 and 62% DM was ensiled for 21 d in laboratory silos maintained at 38 and 65°C, and subjected to aerated and anaerobic conditions. Samples were withdrawn at d 1, 2, 7, and 21 and analyzed for DM, pH, VFA, lactic acid, NDF, ADF, ADIN, lignin, ash, total N, NPN, and NH3N. Dry matter loss, calculated from ash content, ranged from .2% DM for d 1 to 2.7% DM on d 21. Low DM silages contained more lactate and acetate than high DM silages. High ensiling temperatures reduced production of organic acids. Slight molding took place in most of the silages at low temperature. Analysis of the fiber fractions revealed an increase in NDF and ADF, particularly in high temperature silages. The percentage increase was greater for NDF than ADF in high DM, high temperature silages. Concentrations of NPN were greater in low DM silages than high DM silages, but high DM silages contained the most ADIN. Lignin and ADIN increased in high temperature silages, but the latter was not greater than .4% of DM after 21 d in the silo.

Effect of Additive on Alfalfa Silage Fermentation Characteristics and Feedlot Performance of Steers

In each of two trials four large plastic bags were filled with approximately 72 mt of first cutting, early bloom alfalfa (35% dry matter). Fresh alfalfa in two bags was treated with .5 kg/metric ton of a commercial silage additive (Silo-Best4). Two bags were left untreated. When compared with steers fed untreated alfalfa silage, weight gains, intakes, and feed efficiencies were not significantly (P>.05) altered for steers fed treated silage. However, laboratory analysis showed silage treatment increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (57.0 versus 60.6%) and decreased silage pH (4.98 versus 4.83). Concentrations of propionic and butyric acid were decreased by the additive. Data suggest that anaerobic fermentation was enhanced with the additive. Slight but significant improvements of silage in vitro dry matter digestibility, obtained by treating alfalfa silage with the inoculant-type preservative, did not result in improved performance in feeding trials.

Added Ammonia or Microbial Inocula for Fermentation and Nitrogenous Compounds of Alfalfa Ensiled at Various Percents of Dry Matter

Laboratory bag silos were used to assess additions of microbial inocula and ammonia on fermentation of alfalfa silage. In Experiment 1, 500 and 1000g microbial inocula per 1000kg and .7 to 1.2% ammonia added to alfalfa forage increased lactic acid. Water soluble carbohydrates and pH were lower for treated than for control silages 50 days after ensiling.In Experiment 2, microbial inocula and ammonia were added to alfalfa wilted to 30, 40, 50, and 60% dry matter and allowed to ensile for 0, 3, 7, and 21 days. Addition of ammonia increased lactic acid at all dry matters and inhibited proteolysis as indicated by increased insoluble nitrogen and decreased free amino acids. Microbial inocula also increased lactic acid at all dry matters, but final pH of inocula-treated silage was lower than the control only at 50 and 60% dry matter.

EFFECT OF ADDITIVES CONTAINING LACTIC ACID BACTERIA AND/OR HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES WITH AN ANTIOXIDANT UPON THE PRESERVATION OF CORN OR ALFALFA SILAGE

A silage additive containing lactic acid bacteria was tested for its effect upon preservation of corn silage, 35–40% dry matter (DM), in four pairs of upright silos (100-t capacity). The additive did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) final pH, lactic or acetic acid concentration, crude protein or NPN-N and NH4+-N expressed as a percent of total N. Recovery of energy from treated silage was greater than control in the two pairs of silos where this was determined, but recoveries of dry matter and crude protein were not consistently affected. Two silage additives, containing hydrolytic enzymes and an antioxidant with or without lactic acid bacteria, were tested on alfalfa, 20, 30, 36.5 and 47.3% DM, in 250-mL laboratory silos. The experimental design used a4 (DM level) × 4 (added glucose — 0,4,8 and 12%, DM basis) × 3 (additive — control, a hydrolytic enzyme/antioxidant additive (E/AO), and E/AO plus lactic acid bacteria (E/AO +)) factorial arrangement of treatments. Alfalfa was harvested using farm equipment. For 60-day silage, the additives as either a primary factor in the design or in second-order interactions with either silage DM or glucose showed no effect (P &gt; 0.05) upon pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, Fleig score, residual water-soluble carbohydrate and percent of total N as NPN-N or ammonia-N. Poor quality silage resulted from the fermentation of alfalfa at 20 and 30% DM, and although additional glucose resolved this problem the additives did not. Beneficial effects of additional water-soluble carbohydrate in alfalfa silage fermentation are evident in data presented. Thus an additive containing an antioxidant and hydrolytic enzymes was not very effective and numbers of lactic acid bacteria in untreated alfalfa harvested with farm equipment must already be sufficient for adequate fermentation.