DM Losses Research Articles

Effects of processing, moisture, and storage length on the fermentation profile, particle size, and ruminal disappearance of reconstituted corn grain.

Our objective was to examine the effects of processing, moisture, and anaerobic storage length of reconstituted corn grain (RCG) on the fermentation profile, geometric mean particle size (GMPS), and ruminal dry matter disappearance (DMD). Dry corn kernels were ground (hammer mill, 5-mm screen) or rolled, then rehydrated to 30%, 35%, or 40% moisture, and stored for 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 d in laboratory silos. Rolled corn had an increased GMPS compared with ground corn (2.24 and 1.13 mm, respectively, at ensiling). However, there was a trend for an interaction between processing and moisture concentration to affect particle size, with GMPS increasing with increased moisture concentration, especially in ground corn. Longer storage periods also slightly increased GMPS. Processing, moisture, and storage length interacted to affect the fermentation pattern (two- or three-way interactions). Overall, pH decreased, whereas lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and NH3-N increased with storage length. RCG with 30% moisture had less lactic acid than corn with 35% and 40% moisture, indicating that fermentation might have been curtailed and also due to the clostridial fermentation that converts lactic acid to butyric acid. Ensiling reconstituted ground corn with 30% of moisture led to greater concentrations of ethanol and butyric acid, resulting in greater DM loss than grain rehydrated to 35% or 40% of moisture. Ammonia-N and in situ ruminal DMD were highest for reconstituted ground corn with 35% or 40% of moisture, mainly after 60 d of storage. Therefore, longer storage periods and greater moisture contents did not offset the negative effect of greater particle size on the in situ ruminal DMD of rolled RCG. Nonetheless, RCG should be ensiled with more than 30% moisture and stored for at least 2 mo to improve the ruminal DMD and reduce the formation of ethanol and butyric acid.

Influence of hybrid, moisture, and length of storage on the fermentation profile and starch digestibility of corn grain silages

The ensiling process, as well as the hybrid type and moisture content of corn grains, can affect the fermentation profile and nutrient digestibility of grain silages. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of hybrid type, grain moisture content at harvest, and length of storage on the fermentation profile, DM digestibility (DMD), and starch digestibility (StarchD) of corn grain silages. We evaluated corn grains harvested at three moisture contents: at approximately 500 g/kg DM (500DM); high-moisture corn at approximately 700 g/kg DM (HMC); and dry grain at approximately 800 g/kg DM, reconstituted to approximately 700 g/kg DM (RC). At RC and HMC, the flint hybrid had an average of 24 % higher (P < 0.05) zein content than that of the soft hybrid prior to ensiling, but after 7 d of ensiling, there were no differences in zein content between hybrids. The StarchD at 12 h and 24 h was negatively correlated with the zein content (P < 0.01, R² = - 0.84 and R² = - 0.87, respectively) and positively correlated with the concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen (P < 0.01, R² = 0.81 and R² = 0.77, respectively) and SP (P < 0.01, R² = 0.88 and R² = 0.80, respectively). After 60 d of ensiling, the DMD and StarchD at 24 h were similar for all silages, independent of the hybrid type or moisture content. After 7 d of ensiling, the RC silages had a higher (P < 0.05) pH (4.90 vs. 4.24), ethanol content (9.29 vs. 5.29 g/kg DM), and 2,3-butanediol content (8656.71 vs. 782.76 mg/kg DM) than those of the HMC silages. After 21 d of ensiling, the RC silages had a higher (P < 0.05) DM losses (58.3 vs. 21.4 g/kg) and acetone content (78.11 vs. 4.60 mg/kg DM) than those of the HMC silages. After 60 d of ensiling, the RC silages had a higher (P < 0.05) butyric acid content (1355.48 vs. 7.98 mg/kg DM) than that of the HMC silages. In conclusion, ensiling HMC and RC for 60 d reduced the negative effects of high vitreousness on the DMD and StarchD due to the proteolysis of the prolamin matrix.

Suitability of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) harvested at two stages of maturity to ensiling and methane production

A sustainable biogas production requires the use of a biomass that is not in competition with food production and does not require a high energy input for its production. Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) was evaluated at ensiling to establish its suitability for methane production. The cardoon was harvested at full bloom (Stage I) and seed ripening (Stage II), and was then treated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Higher fermentative products (lactic acid and ethanol) and DM losses were determined at Stage I than at Stage II. The advanced stage of maturity (Stage II) determined a higher fiber content and lower methane yield per tonne of volatile solids than at Stage I. No difference was observed between the methane production at harvesting and that after ensiling, thus indicating the ability of the ensiling process to conserve most of the energy of the crop at harvesting.

Efecto de la fecha de corte y del uso de aditivos en la composición química y calidad fermentativa de ensilado de girasol

El objetivo fue evaluar fechas de corte y del uso de aditivos sobre la calidad del ensilado de la planta entera de girasol. La variedad forrajera (Rumbosol-91) se cosechó en las semanas 1, 3 y 5 post-floración (F1, F2 y F3, respectivamente) y tratada con los siguientes aditivos: 1) 1.5 × 105 ufc de inoculante g-1 de forraje, a base de bacterias lácticas homofermentativas Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus pentosaceus y Lactobacillus plantarum (INOC), 2) 3 ml kg-1 de forraje de una solución al 85% de ácido fórmico (FORM) y 3) sin aditivo (Testigo); siguiendo un diseño factorial 3x3 con cinco repeticiones. La producción de efluente y las pérdidas totales de materia seca (MS) se redujeron, desde 282 y 134 g kg-1 en F+1 hasta 96 y 87 g kg-1 en F+5 como resultado del alto contenido de humedad del forraje próxima a la floración. El análisis NIRS de las muestras de ensilaje mostró que los contenidos de proteína, fibra y digestibilidad descendían significativamente con la madurez de la planta; la rápida acumulación de aceite en la MS hizo que la concentración energética fuese superior en el estado fenológico más avanzado. La calidad fermentativa de los ensilajes fue satisfactoria, independientemente del momento de corte y del uso de aditivo. Se concluye que es preferible el corte de la planta a las cinco semanas post-floración, donde se espera una fermentación aceptable sin necesidad de conservantes.

Losses, chemical composition and aerobic stability of rye silage cv. Temprano subjected to different pre-flowering cuttings with or without fungicide

The present study evaluated the fermentation, chemical characteristics and ruminal disappearance of dry matter of silages of rye cv. Temprano harvested at the stage of floury grain, managed with or without cutting at the vegetative stage and with or without application of Fluxapyroxad + Pyraclostrobin-based fungicide at the pre-flowering phenological stage. This was a 2x2 factorial randomized block experimental design, with 2 cutting regimes (0 and 1 cut) and 2 application management (with and without fungicide), with six replications, where each repetition is represented by a plot of 9.45m², with the treatments SC-SF: without cut at the vegetative stage and without fungicide application; SC-CF: without cut at the vegetative stage with fungicide application; UC-SF: a cut at the vegetative stage with pre-flowering fungicide application; UC-CF: a cut at the vegetative stage and without fungicide application. UC-CF silages were better in the general context, due to the better fiber composition with an average 6.75% reduction in neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber and a 17.10% reduction in lignin content, but, due to its higher DM content, it presented a less efficient fermentation process in terms of organic acid concentration and aerobic stability. However, it did not change the DM losses or ruminal degradability, and there is also the use of DM harvested at the vegetative stage that certainly has a superior quality. The use of fungicide provided only better dry matter index and better fiber composition and improved the fermentation process resulting in lower DM losses without altering the aerobic stability of silages.

Short communication: Influence of sorghum cultivar, ensiling storage length, and microbial inoculation on fermentation profile, N fractions, ruminal in situ starch disappearance and aerobic stability of whole-plant sorghum silage

In recent years, the interest to grow sorghum for silage has increased, with greater prominence in areas where water supply and or availability is an issue for plant growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorghum cultivars (forage or sudan), storage length and microbial inoculation with heterofermentative and facultative homofermentative inoculants on the fermentation profile, DM loss, aerobic stability and ruminal in situ starch disappearance of whole-plant sorghum silage. Whole-plant sorghum (279 ± 37 g/kg DM for forage and 232 ± 29 g/kg DM for sudan) was ensiled in quintuplicate 20 L plastic buckets untreated (CON) or after the following treatments: Lactobacillus plantarum CH6072, L. plantarum LSI, and Pediococcus pentosaceus P6 at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (LPPP); L. buchneri LB1819 and Lactococcus lactis O224 at 1.5 × 105 cfu/g (LBLL). Silos were allowed to ferment for 0, 15, 30 or 90 d. Lactic acid and total acids were greatest in sudan sorghum silage, and total acids were greatest in LPPP and lowest for LBLL. Ammonia-N (as g/kg of total N) was greatest with sudan sorghum. The acetic acid was greatest in forage sorghum inoculated with LBLL, intermediate in sudan sorghum inoculated with LBLL, and linearly increased in both cultivars with storage length from 15 to 90 d. Silage aerobic stability was greater for LBLL compared to CON and LPPP. Ruminal in situ starch disappearance was increased with ensiling time, and linearly increased from d 15–90. Microbial inoculation with L. buchneri and Lactococcus lactis increased the acetic acid concentrations, improved aerobic stability, and reduced the DM loss by discarded visible spoilage, at the expense of higher DM loss by gases. This effect was more evident in forage sorghum compared to sudan sorghum.

Fermentative quality of silage as affected by protein level in the ensiled material: A meta-analysis

Ensiling of high-protein forages like alfalfa, indigofera, cassava and moringa, however, are characterized by considerable extent of proteolysis. This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis from various published experiments regarding the effect of protein level on fermentative quality of silage. Papers reported data on protein contents of silages and their fermentative characteristics were collected and integrated in a database. A total of 15 papers and comprised of 155 data points were included. The ensiled materials were peas, wheat, barley, maize, sorghum, alfalfa and mucuna. The ensiling period varied from 20 to 303 days. Data were statistically analyzed by using the mixed model methodology. Studies from different papers were treated as random effects whereas protein level in silage was treated as fixed effect. The model statistics used was p-value. Results revealed that higher protein level led to an increase of DM loss in silage (p<0.01). Protein was negatively correlated with NDF (p<0.001) and ADF (p<0.05). Increasing protein level elevated pH value of the silage (p<0.05) and tended to increase acetate concentration (p<0.1). Ethanol concentration was elevated by increasing silage protein level (p<0.05). Higher silage protein level increased organic matter digestibility (OMD), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population, nitrate and ammonia concentrations of the silage (p<0.05). It can be concluded that higher protein level induces proteolysis in the silage and reduces its fermentative quality.

Effect of Substitution of Urea With Different Type and Levels of Ruminant Manure on Nutritive Value of Rice Straw Silage

This study was conducted in Nutrition Lab. to investigate the effect of the type and level of substitution of urea with ruminant manure, M (sheep, cow and buffalo) on basis of nitrogen (N) content on the nutritive value of rice straw silage (RSS). Accordingly silages were nominated as, S-RSS, C-RSS and B-RSS. Urea (U) was substituted with dried manure at 6 combinations, 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 of U:M. Silage samples were prepared by treating chopped straw with pre-treated solution contained 10% low quality debis and 2% urea. Results showed that lower (P˂0.01) DM loss (11.4%) was observed in S-RSS, and with addition of urea only (3.6%). &#x0D; Samples of S-RSS and C-RSS recorded higher (P˂0.01) Fleig points (Fp) as compared with those prepared by the addition of B-RSS, 60.42, 55.58 and 49.59 respectively. Reduction (P˂0.01) in this parameter was noticed in samples prepared with a combination of 100:0. Aerobic stability (AS) was a reduced (P˂0.01) in samples prepared by addition of S-RSS by 15 and 13 hours in comparison with samples of C-RSS and B-RSS respectively. Samples prepared with combination of 100:0 were prior (P˂0.01) as compared with other samples.&#x0D; Results also showed an increase (P˂0.01) in in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVOMD) in samples of S-RSS in comparison with samples prepared by addition of C-RSS and B-RSS, 49.99, 44.59 and 42.77% respectively. Samples prepared with combination of 100:0 recorded lower (P˂0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) as compared with combinations of 70:30 and 60:40 of U: M, 40.52, 45.36 and 45.94% respectively.

Effects of a mixture of monopropionine and monobutyrin on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of whole crop maize silage

The ensiling of high DM content maize, with the aim of achieving a higher proportion of starch in the silage, leads to difficulties in containing aerobic spoilage, due to its low lactic acid bacteria (LAB) activity during fermentation. The aim of the present study has been to evaluate the effects of a new chemical additive, containing a mixture of monopropionine and monobutyrin, on the aerobic stability of whole crop maize silages in two trials in which the conservation period differed. Maize was harvested at a DM of around 410 g/kg and was then untreated (C) or treated with L. buchneri (LB) NCIMB 40788, a new additive, which was applied at a rate of 5 g/kg fresh matter (FM) (A0.5), at rate of 10 g/kg FM (A1.0) and at rate of 15 g/kg FM (A1.5). The obtained silages were conserved for 100 d and 240 d for Trials I and II, respectively. At opening, the DM losses, chemical composition, fermentation profile, microbial counts and aerobic stability were determined for each silo. In both trials, the addition of the chemical additive influenced the fermentation profile, and a lower level of acetic acid and ethanol was observed than for the C and LB silages. The propionic and butyric acids were only found in the silages treated with the chemical additive at concentrations that were linearly related to the calculated amount derived from the acid hydrolysis of the additive, thus indicating no clostridia activity had occurred. The application of the new additive reduced the yeast count, and aerobic stability was thus improved. The aerobic stability increased in an added dose dependent manner, with a mean increase of 120 h in A1.5, compared to the C silages. The DM losses were higher in the C silages than in the A1.5 ones. The chemical additive did not affect the nutritional parameters. The addition of LB was not very efficient, probably due to the low water activity of the maize with high DM content and the low temperature at harvesting, which could have negatively influenced its activity. The addition of monopropionine and monobutyrin showed a positive effect, as it improved the aerobic stability, even in less than optimal conditions (high DM maize content and low temperature). The effect of the additive was related to its application rate, with the best results being observed when it was applied at 1.5% of fresh matter.

Fermentation times and feed additives improve the quality of olive bagasse silage

This research aimed to measure the microbiological, chemical composition profile and fermentative characteristics during storage of fresh olive bagasse, in natura and incorporated with corn, soybean and rice brans, respectively. The experimental design was completely randomized, with the plots constituting the four main treatments (olive bagasse in natura or with added corn, soybean and rice brans, respectively), and the subplots allocated the three sampling times, which corresponded to time zero (at the ensilage moment) and 28 and 56 days of ensilage. The fermentative characteristics (dry matter content [DM], pH and ammoniacal nitrogen [NH3-N], microbiological profile (populations of filamentous fungi, lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria and Clostridia) and chemical composition profile (mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein [CP], ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose) were determined. The corn grain and rice meal treatments, which demonstrated pH 4.08 and 3.96 at 28 days of fermentation, respectively, provided the best fermentation profile. After storage for 56 days, the samples with added soybean and rice meal reached the highest levels of CP (166.15 and 93.78 g kg-1 DM), respectively. Increasing the storage period reduced the pH of the obtained silages but increased the losses of DM, NH3-N and contributed to the losses of some nutrients. Rice meal and corn grain have been recommended to be used as additives in olive bagasse storage. However, the choice of additives studied is dependent on their commercial availability in each region.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants and fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality, in vitro degradability, ruminal variables and microbial communities of high‐moisture alfalfa silage

AbstractThe silage additives not only influence the fermentation quality of silages, but may have positive effects on animal performance by affecting the ruminal fermentation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants, either alone or in combination with fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality, and ruminal nutrients degradability, fermentation profile and microbial communities of high‐moisture alfalfa silage. Alfalfa (206 g dry matter [DM]/kg fresh matter) was ensiled in laboratory‐scale silos with four experimental variants: (a) deionized water (Control); (b) LAB inoculants (Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus combination; I); (c) fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes combination; E); (d) a mixture of I and E (IE). All silos were opened after 45 days for determining the silage quality. Further, the four experimental silages were used to measure in vitro rumen degradability, fermentation profile and bacterial populations by fermenting with buffered rumen fluid. The addition of I stimulated a more efficient homofermentation of high‐moisture alfalfa silage than in the variants without I, as evidenced by higher lactic‐to‐acetic acid ratios and lower DM losses, and IE addition further enhanced the homofermentation. Compared to the Control, the addition of E increased the proteolysis, and decreased in vitro degradability of DM (IVDMD) and crude protein of DM (IVCPD) as well as in vitro gas production of 48 hr (GP48). The addition of I reduced the proteolysis and methane production, and increased the IVDMD, IVCPD, GP48, ruminal short‐chain fatty acids concentrations and microbial protein production. The populations of Genus Prevotella were higher in silages produced with I, but lower with E than the Control. The data suggested that the addition of LAB inoculants alone or together with fibrolytic enzymes could improve the fermentation quality and nutritive value of high‐moisture alfalfa silage.

Bacterial diversity and fermentation quality of Moringa oleifera leaves silage prepared with lactic acid bacteria inoculants and stored at different temperatures

Four lactic acid bacteria strains (LP, LF, LL, W), isolated and selected from Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) silage, were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. farciminis, Lactococcus lactis, Weissella thailandensis, respectively. Fermentation quality and bacterial community of MOL ensiled without or with the four strains at 15 °C and 30 °C were investigated. Results showed that all the LAB strains decreased (P < 0.05) the pH and ammonia-N content of MOL silage. Silage stored at 30 °C showed higher (P < 0.05) DM loss, acetic acid and ammonia-N content, and lower LAB count than 15 °C. The environmental temperature also made a great influence on bacterial community of MOL silage. Bacterial diversity was lower and the abundance of Lactobacillus was higher in silages stored at 15 °C. In conclusion, LAB inoculants and a relatively low environmental temperature could be effective to improve the quality of MOL silage.

Ferulic acid esterase-producing lactic acid bacteria and cellulase pretreatments of corn stalk silage at two different temperatures: Ensiling characteristics, carbohydrates composition and enzymatic saccharification

The effects of Acremonium cellulase and L. plantarum A1 with ferulic acid esterase activity on corn stalk silage fermentation characteristics, carbohydrate composition and enzymatic saccharification were studied at 25 and 40 °C, respectively. Corn stalk was ensiled without additive (C), Acremonium cellulase (AC), L. plantarum A1 (Lp) and AC + Lp for 60 days. Pretreatment with Lp or AC + Lp promoted the better silage fermentation and the degradation of lignocellulose as indicated by high lactic acid and low pH and lignocellulose content compared to control silages at 25 °C. AC + Lp performed better in reducing lignocellulose and DM loss. In addition, Lp alone enhanced enzymatic saccharification of corn stalk silage. However, the influence of L. plantarum A1 on corn stalk silage was not obvious at 40 °C. Corn stalk ensiled with combined additive is a suitable pretreatment method for subsequent biofuel production at 25 °C, but addition of Acremonium cellulase alone at 40 °C may be a promising method.

Chemical composition, fermentative losses, and microbial counts of total mixed ration silages inoculated with different Lactobacillus species.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus inoculants on fermentation, losses, and aerobic stability of a total mixed ration (TMR) silage. A TMR, formulated to meet the requirements of dairy cows producing 25 kg of milk/d, was applied with the following treatments prior to ensiling: 1) Control (CON), 2) Lactobacillus buchneri (105 cfu/g of fresh forage; LB), and 3) Lactobacillus plantarum (105 cfu/g of fresh forage; LP). TMR silages were ensiled for 15 and 60 d in silos equipped with an apparatus for determination of gravimetric DM, gas, and effluent losses. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments, with 5 replicates per treatment. Chemical changes, microbial counts, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability were measured after opening the silos. Data were submitted to ANOVA, and means were compared by Tukey and T-test and statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. After 15 d of ensiling, the inclusion of inoculant decreased NDF (P < 0.05) and butyric acid concentrations (P < 0.05) in TMR. LP had the lowest aerobic stability (P < 0.05) and the greatest loss of DM (P < 0.03). Ensiling for 60 d increased ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), aerobic stability, and concentrations of lactic and acetic acid (P < 0.01) and lowered (P < 0.02) total fermentation losses compared to 15 d across all treatments. After 60 d of ensiling, LP lowered pH to the greatest extent. Treatment had no effect on concentrations of DM, CP, ADF, ash, and EE, as well as in vitro DM digestibility. In conclusion, inoculants containing LP or LB did not improve fermentation profile, did not prolong the aerobic stability, nor reduced losses. Furthermore, the 15-d ensiling period was insufficient for adequate bacterial activity.

Influence of increased doses of detoxified castor bean meal on chemical composition and characteristics of sugarcane silage

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) ensilage presents serious limitations due to the conversion of soluble carbohydrates into ethanol, thus, it is necessary to use additives that reduce losses of DM during the ensilage process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of detoxified castor-bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal (DCBM) on the nutritive value, fermentation pattern, stability and losses of sugarcane silages. Twenty mini-silos with sugarcane and five different concentrations of DCBM (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 fresh matter) were prepared in a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. After 60 d, silage was sampled to determine chemical-bromatological composition, fractionation of carbohydrates and protein content, ammoniacal N (N-NH3) and losses through gases and effluents. The addition of DCBM increased (P < 0.05) DM content, crude protein, fraction A + B1 of the total carbohydrates. However, it reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of neutral and acid detergent insoluble fiber, fraction B1 + B2 of total N and N-NH3. The addition of DCBM reduced the losses of total DM but decreased silages aerobic stability. The addition of 150 g kg-1 DBCM improved the nutritional value, fermentation pattern and reduced losses of sugarcane silages.

Decomposition dynamics altered by straw removal management in the sugarcane-expansion regions in Brazil

Brazilian bioenergy production based on sugarcane is globally known as a sustainable energy matrix. In order to supply the growing demand for biofuels, the sugarcane area expanded by 46% in the last decade in Brazil. In addition, the industry’s interest in using sugarcane straw as raw material for bioenergy production has recently increased. Thus, understanding the straw decomposition dynamics in these new frontiers is imperative to support decision-making that will define a sustainable straw removal rate. A field experiment was conducted in three sites under a climate and soil gradient (from central to south) within the sugarcane-expansion region (i.e. Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná states) to evaluate the straw decomposition. The amounts of 3, 6 and 12 Mg ha–1 of straw (dry mass, DM) were left on the soil surface after harvesting, representing the straw removal rates of about 75, 50 and 0% respectively. We quantified DM loss, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents and biochemical composition of the straw throughout a crop cycle (300 days). In addition, visual changes in the decomposing straw were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. An exponential model was efficiently fitted to data of DM loss, describing the pattern of straw decomposition over time. The DM, C losses and cellulose and hemicellulose contents of straw changed over time among sites, reflecting the local edaphoclimatic conditions favourable for decomposition. The C:N ratio decreased from 106:1 to 65:1 for the lowest straw amount and 41:1 for the highest straw amount, and were correlated with the lowest (65%) and highest (76%) DM loss respectively. After the crop cycle, sugarcane straw changed visually, possible due to loss of biochemical compounds. In conclusion, lower straw removal induced an increase in the straw decomposition rate (higher DM loss over time), which could boost positive agronomic impacts such as increased C stock and improved soil quality.

Effect of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri LB1819 and Lactococcus lactis O224 on fermentation and mycotoxin production in maize silage compacted at different densities

We examined the effectiveness of a combined inoculant of hetero-fermentative Lactobacillus buchneri LB1819 and homo-fermentative Lactococcus lactis O224 on quality of maize silage at two different densities. The four treatments were: CTR-LD, untreated at low-density (132 ± 6 kg DM/m3); CTR-HD, untreated at high density (186 ± 6 kg DM/m3); TRT-LD, inoculated at low density; and TRT-HD, inoculated at high density. The 5 replicates for each treatment were ensiled in 20-L plastic jars and the inoculant was applied at a rate of 250,000 CFU/g ensiled forage. The fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and DM losses were measured after 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 days of ensiling, and the chemical composition, microbial counts, and concentrations of mycotoxins were assessed in the 32 day samples. Data measured once during experiment were analyzed according to a completely randomized design (CRD), with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (i.e., inoculation, density, and their interaction). Data measured at different time points were analyzed according to a CRD, with a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement of treatments (i.e., inoculation, density, length of ensiling, and their first or second order interactions). The lactic acid concentration increased (P < 0.05) with the duration of ensiling, with no differences among treatments (overall means on day 2 and day 32: 26.7 and 50.9 g/kg DM, respectively). Aerobic stability was greatest (P < 0.05) in the TRT-HD silage at 32 days. After 32 days of ensiling, soluble crude protein was greater in the CTR-HD and TRT-LD silages than the CTR-LD and TRT-HD silages (P < 0.05, inoculation × density interaction). The treatments had similar chemical parameters, yeast and mould counts (overall mean: 4.53 log10 CFU/g and 1.59 log10 CFU/g, respectively). The overall concentration of aflatoxin B1 was 0.412 μg/kg DM. The CTR groups had higher concentrations of fumonisin B2 (413 vs. 278 μg/kg DM, P < 0.05) and roquefortine C (22.81 vs. 3.39 μg/kg DM, P < 0.05) than the TRT groups. Conversely, the CTR groups had lower concentrations of fusaric acid than the TRT groups after 32 days (2849 vs. 4162 μg/kg DM, P < 0.05). Both CTR and Lactobacillus buchneri LB1819 and Lactococcus lactis O224 treated samples at a high silage density increased the aerobic stability after 32 days of ensiling (P < 0.05, day × density interaction). Results indicated that inoculation and use of a greater silage density enhanced the fermentation and aerobic stability of maize silage.

Chemical and microbiological characteristic of silomaize ensiled with some lactic acid bacteria strains

The object of the trial was to study the effect of some lactic acid bacteria strains on the chemical composition, energy- and metabolisable protein (MP) content, microbiological characteristics and in-silo weight and dry matter losses of whole crop maize silages.&#x0D; The whole plant maize raw material was 32% DM, in soft cheddar stage of grain ripeness. It was ensiled in 4.2 litre capacity glass micro-size silos in 5 replicates /each treatment and stored on constant 25 °C room temperature on day 95. The average packing desity was 211kg DM/m3&#x0D; The applied treatments: 1. Untreated control, 2. Enterococcus faecium 100.000 CFU/g FM, 3. Lactobacillus plantarum 50.000 CFU/g + Enterococcus faecium 50.000 CFU/g, 4. Lactococcus lactis 100.000 CFU/g,&#x0D; &#x0D; Lactobacillus plantarum 50.000 CFU + Lactococcus lactis 50.000 CFU/g, 6. Lactobacillus plantarum 100.000 CFU&#x0D; &#x0D; The main experiences are the following:&#x0D; &#x0D; Chemical composition of whole crop maize silages treated by lactic acid bacteria strains are significantly differed from the control in some cases on P 5% level but the nutritive value (energy and MP content) of silages did not change significantly compare to the control untreated silage.&#x0D; Number of yeast and mould CFU of control silage was the highest (4.5 x 104 CFU/g FM) among all kind of treated ones, which was significant on P 1% level.&#x0D; Weight loss and DM loss were lower in all of the lactic acid bacteria treated silages in general than it was measured in the control silage. Least weight loss and one-third of DM loss was detected in Lactobacillus plantarum 000 CFU/g treated silage among all kind of silages.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Case Study: Effect of type of processor on corn silage processing score in samples of whole-plant corn silage

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of processor type on fermentation profile, corn silage processing score, and physically effective NDF of whole-plant corn silage samples. A data set composed of 3,900 whole-plant corn silage samples was obtained from Rock River Laboratory (Watertown, WI). All samples were collected from 2013 to 2016 by the Chr. Hansen team under specific protocols to label samples as shredlage (SHRD) only if confirmed by farmers or custom harvesters. A total of 309 and 3,591 samples were labeled as SHRD and nonshredlage (CONV), respectively. Samples had been previously analyzed for corn silage processing score, physically effective NDF, and predicted ruminal in vitro NDF digestibility at 30 h (using near-infrared spectroscopy). In addition, 2,394 samples (272 SHRD and 2,394 CONV) had previously been analyzed via wet chemistry for fermentation profile. Loss of DM during fermentation was calculated with a predictive equation. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix in SAS with type of processor (SHRD vs. CONV) as a fixed effect. Statistical significance and trends were declared at P ≤ 0.05 and 0.05 0.10) and averaged 2.27, 0.35, 0.36, and 0.57%, respectively. Recovery of DM was improved (P = 0.05; 2.42 vs. 2.73%) for SHRD, but the difference is of minor importance. Corn silage processing score was 4.6 percentage units greater for SHRD than for CONV silages (P = 0.001; 68.1 vs. 63.53% starch passing through a 4.75-mm sieve). In contrast, physically effective NDF and predicted ruminal in vitro NDF digestibility were (P = 0.001) 1.8 and 1.6 percentage units greater for CONV. Our results suggest that harvesting whole-plant corn silage as SHRD improved kernel breakage while maintaining adequate fermentation patterns compared with CONV.

The effects of fibrolytic enzymes, cellulolytic fungi and bacteria on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates degradation, and enzymatic conversion yields of Pennisetum sinese silage

Biological inoculants were tested on Pennisetum sinese for their effects on fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates degradation, and enzymatic conversion yields. Pennisetum sinese was ensiled without additive, Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp), Trichoderma reesei (Tr), fibrolytic enzymes (E), and Enterococcus faecium (Y83) for 90 days. Y83 silages had higher LA and lower AA, ammonia-N and DM loss as compared to E and Tr silages. Tr and E had superior effects for degrading lignocellulose while Y83 had intermediate effects. The first-order exponential decay models (R2 = 0.928–0.998) predicted nonstructural carbohydrates kinetics and demonstrated high water soluble carbohydrate (g/kg DM) preservation potential in Y83 (21.40), followed by Tr (18.94) and E (16.74). Addition of Y83 improved the conversion efficiency of P. sinese silage than Tr and E, indicated by higher glucose and total reducing sugars yield (22.49 and 36.89 w/w % DM, respectively). In conclusion, Y83 can be exploited for the ensiling lignocellulosic biomass before grass processing.