Time Of Ensiling Research Articles

Effect of Ensiling Time on Microbial Composition and Aerobic Stability of Total Mixture Ration

Effect of Ensiling Time on Microbial Composition and Aerobic Stability of Total Mixture Ration

Unlocking The Potential of Lampung Agricultural Waste: Banana Kepok Peel Silage (Musa × Paradisiaca) for Ruminant Nutrition Through an Optimization of Ensiling Time

This study investigates the optimization of ensiling time for fermenting Kepok/Saba banana peel into silage for ruminant nutrition. Two ensiling durations were compared: T1 with a 7-day ensiling time and T2 with a 14-day ensiling time. The results of the experiment reveal that while T2 demonstrated certain advantages, such as enhanced aroma and texture due to extended fermentation, the physical quality of silage from T1 was comparable, and the proximate analysis indicated no significant difference in nutritional content between T1 and T2. Additionally, T1 silage exhibited a lower crude fiber content compared to T2, suggesting potentially better digestibility and nutrient availability for livestock. These findings emphasize the practicality of choosing T1 to expedite production without compromising physical quality or nutritional integrity. The study underscores the potential of Kepok/Saba banana peel waste to be processed into silage, offering a sustainable solution for utilizing Lampung’s agricultural by-products for ruminant nutrition enhancement.

Investigation of fermentation profiles, bacterial community structure and bacterial β-carotene synthesis of alfalfa silage treated with propionic acid or its combination with squalene

Abstract This study examined the fermentation dynamics, bacterial community composition and bacterial β-carotene synthesis in alfalfa that was ensiled for 3, 15, 45 and 90 days without additives (CON), or with a chemical agent (propionic acid, PA); or a combination of PA and squalene, SQPA). The results showed that silage treated with PA had a lower (P < 0.01) pH value than the CON silage in the early ensiling phase (3–15 days). Meanwhile, silage treated with PA had the highest contents of lactic acid, acetic acid and PA after 90 days of ensiling (P < 0.01). The β-carotene in alfalfa was lost seriously in the initial ensiling phase (3 days) and epiphytic Pantoea agglomerans with the ability to produce β-carotene became extinct. With the extension of ensiling time, the loss of β-carotene was alleviated in all silages. PA and SQPA not only lowered bacterial diversity and simplified bacterial networks but also facilitated the emergence of new β-carotene-producing bacteria. The metabolic function prediction indicated that β-carotene synthesis tended to decrease initially and subsequently increase during ensiling. Furthermore, the variance of enzymes involved in the bacterial synthesis of β-carotene in silages was influenced by PA, SQPA and ensiling time. In summary, the impact of solely adding PA demonstrated superior effects on the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage compared to the effects observed with SQPA. Throughout the ensiling of alfalfa, the succession of different β-carotene-producing bacteria resulted in fluctuations in the levels of β-carotene.

Influence of Ensiling Time and Elephant Grass Silage Alkaline Pretreatment in Anaerobic Co-digestion with Vinasse for Methane Production

Influence of Ensiling Time and Elephant Grass Silage Alkaline Pretreatment in Anaerobic Co-digestion with Vinasse for Methane Production

Lactic Acid Bacteria and Formic Acid Improve Fermentation Quality and Beneficial Predicted Functional Characteristics in Mixed Silage Consisting of Alfalfa and Perennial Ryegrass

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of additives on the fermentation properties of ensiled mixed alfalfa and perennial ryegrass silage in the karst terrain of Southwest China. A mixture of alfalfa and perennial ryegrass was ensiled at a ratio of 3:7 using three experimental treatments: (1) CK (without additives) and distilled water (5 mL kg−1 fresh weight (FW)); (2) FA and formic acid (88%) (5 mL kg−1 FW); and (3) LAB combined with the application of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri (2 × 107 cfu/g FW). All samples were packed manually into polyethylene bags, and three polyethylene bags from each treatment were sampled on days 7, 15, and 45. The findings demonstrated that the pH values of all the mixed silages gradually decreased during ensiling. The lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) contents increased gradually with ensiling time and peaked after 45 days of ensiling. After 45 days of ensiling, the FA and LAB groups effectively preserved the nutrient content of the mixed silage, which presented a reduced neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content (p < 0.05) and higher water-soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.05) than the CK group. The fermentation quality of the mixed silages in the FA and LAB groups improved, as indicated by higher (p < 0.05) LA contents and lower (p < 0.05) pH and ammoniacal nitrogen contents after 45 days of ensiling compared to those in the CK group. As fermentation progressed, the abundance of harmful microorganisms (Hafnia obesumbacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, and Sphingomonas) and beneficial microorganisms (Lactiplantibacillus and Lentilactobacillus) decreased and increased, respectively. In addition, compared to those in the CK group, the FA group had higher abundances of “lipid metabolism” and “biosynthesis of antibiotics” and lower abundances of “membrane transport”. Briefly, the results of this study suggest that the incorporation of FA and LAB additives could improve the quality of fermented mixed silage, and that FA is better than LAB. This information is useful for combining forage resources to satisfy the requirements for high-protein feed and for manufacturing ruminant feed annually.

Influences of Growth Stage and Ensiling Time on Fermentation Characteristics, Nitrite, and Bacterial Communities during Ensiling of Alfalfa.

This study examined the impacts of growth stage and ensiling duration on the fermentation characteristics, nitrite content, and bacterial communities during the ensiling of alfalfa. Harvested alfalfa was divided into two groups: vegetative growth stage (VG) and late budding stage (LB). The fresh alfalfa underwent wilting until reaching approximately 65% moisture content, followed by natural fermentation. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with samples collected after the wilting of alfalfa raw materials (MR) and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 60 of fermentation. The growth stage significantly influenced the chemical composition of alfalfa, with crude protein content being significantly higher in the vegetative growth stage alfalfa compared to that in the late budding stage (p < 0.05). Soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber content were significantly lower in the vegetative growth stage compared to the late budding stage (p < 0.05). Nitrite content, nitrate content, nitrite reductase activity, and nitrate reductase activity were all significantly higher in the vegetative growth stage compared to the late budding stage (p < 0.05). In terms of fermentation parameters, silage from the late budding stage exhibited superior characteristics compared to that from the vegetative growth stage. Compared to the alfalfa silage during the vegetative growth stage, the late budding stage group exhibited a higher lactate content and lower pH level. Notably, butyric acid was only detected in the silage from the vegetative growth stage group. Throughout the ensiling process, nitrite content, nitrate levels, nitrite reductase activity, and nitrate reductase activity decreased in both treatment groups. The dominant lactic acid bacteria differed between the two groups, with Enterococcus being predominant in vegetative growth stage alfalfa silage, and Weissella being predominant in late budding stage silage, transitioning to Lactiplantibacillus in the later stages of fermentation. On the 3rd day of silage fermentation, the vegetative growth stage group exhibited the highest abundance of Enterococcus, which subsequently decreased to its lowest level on the 15th day. Correlation analysis revealed that lactic acid bacteria, including Limosilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Loigolactobacillus, Pediococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, and Weissella, played a key role in nitrite and nitrate degradation in alfalfa silage. The presence of nitrite may be linked to Erwinia, unclassified_o__Enterobacterales, Pantoea, Exiguobacterium, Enterobacter, and Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium.

Study on Dynamic Fermentation of Oat Silage Assisted by Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes.

Based on the low content of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) attachment in oat raw materials, we assumed that the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of oat can be reduced by adding cellulase or xylanase. The concentration of metabolizable sugars will be increased, which will assist the oat's bacterial community in fermentation and obtain a better quality of oat silage. After wilting the oat, it was treated as follows: (1) distributed water (CK); (2) silages inoculated with xylanase (X); and (3) silages inoculated with cellulase (C), ensiling for 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Cellulase and xylanase treatments both alter the fermentation and nutritional quality of ensiled oat, resulting in lower NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, increased lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and a significant decrease in ensiling environment pH. The bacterial community undergoes significant changes with cellulase and xylanase treatments, with a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance in the C_14, X_30, C_30, X_60, and C_60 treatment groups, while Weissella abundance gradually decreases with longer ensiling times. Two exogenous fibrolytic enzymes also alter the bacterial diversity of ensiled oat, with different bacterial species and abundances observed in different treatment groups. Ensiled oat treated with cellulase and xylanase experiences significant changes in its own bacterial community, particularly in the abundance of Lactobacillus. These changes result in improved fermentation and nutritional quality of oat, but the higher metabolism levels observed after 60 days of ensiling with cellulase treatment may lead to energy loss.

PSIV-20 The Effect of Silage Additives on Male Sterile Sorghum Fermentation Heat Production and Feed-Out Stability

Abstract The objective was to compare the effect of applying silage additives to male sterile sorghum hybrids on temperature production during ensiling time (30 d) and at feed-out period after 30 or 90 d of ensiling period. Two male-sterile sorghum hybrids; F430 and F465, with and without BMR12 trait, respectively (Richardson Seed Ltd.); were randomly allocated in plots blocked by irrigation section in a dairy farm in West Texas. During harvest, duplicate samples from each plot were obtained, placed on plastic trays, and transported to one of three stations to be treated with chemical silage preservative (SG, SiloGuard), heterofermentative bacteria inoculant with mold inhibitor solution (SM, Silage Maker 250) or distilled water (DW, control). Treatments were applied with spray bottles following a protocol that consisted of two sets of 5 sprays (1.1 mL each and 11 mL total) followed by mixing of the forage. Personnel applying the treatment were blind as to which treatment they were applying and all spray bottles, trays and tables from each station were color coded to prevent cross contamination. After treated, 3.63 kg of forage was packed in three consecutive steps using a manual press on 4.7L buckets (Uline) and a temperature data logger was placed in the center of each of the 30 d mini silos. The amount of material packed was estimated to achieve a 230 kg of DM/m3 compaction at 30% DM of the forage. At opening, the material from each silo was moved to a tray and mixed to be homogenized and exposed to oxygen. Then, the material was added back to its correspondent bucket until it filled up to the border without compressing. Heat production during the feed-out period and air-stability were assessed for both ensiling periods, whereas fermentation heat production during ensiling period was only assessed for 30 d silos. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS) with ensiling period, hybrid, treatment and the interaction of day and treatment included in the model as independent variables. Fourth root and natural log transformation were performed to obtain a normal distribution of residuals, back transformed LSM and 95% CI are reported in Table 1. Treatment effected the silage temperature during the feed-out period (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and air-stability test (P = 0.02). Whereas a tendency was observed for daily heat production during the ensiled period (P = 0.07). Male-sterile sorghum silage treated with SG had the least temperature during the ensiling period and longer air-stability than SM.

AVALIAÇÃO DA PRODUTIVIDADE E VALOR NUTRITIVO DE MILHO PARA SILAGEM NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO NA SAFRA 2022/2023

he objective of this work was to evaluate the mass yield for silage, its nutritive value and the grain yield of 15 maize cultivars. The experiments were carried out in the 2022/2023 harvest, in Mococa, Tatuí and Votuporanga. There were plots of six lines of five meters, with four replications, in a randomized block design. There was interaction (p&gt;F) between cultivars and locations for plant height (AP), dry matter yield (PMS), grain yields at ensilage (PGS) and at maturity (PGM), starch content, acid detergent fiber (FDA) and neutral detergent fiber (FDNom). It is interesting to note that the cultivar AG 8701 PRO3 showed a high potential for milk yield per hectare in the three locations, indicating its productive stability in different soil and climate conditions, while other cultivars performed differently depending on the environment. The average dry matter productivity was 20.99 t.ha-1 in Mococa, 19.06 t.ha-1 in Tatuí and 15.38 t.ha-1 in Votuporanga. The grain productivity at the time of ensiling was 8.49, 7.00 and 6.23 t.ha-1 for Mococa, Tatuí and Votuporanga, respectively, these grains being of great importance in the nutritional value of the forage, due to the presence of starch, positively influencing milk yield per ton of dry matter. Keywords: Starch, fiber, Milk, TDN, Production.

Analysis on Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition and Bacterial Communities of Corn Straw and Soybean Straw Mixed Silage

In this study, the effects of mixed silage on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and bacterial communities of corn straw and soybean straw were assessed. Corn straws, soybean straws or a mixture of corn straws and soybean straws in a 1:1 mass ratio were uniformly mixed and processed using the same method to produce bagged silage weighing 50 kg per bag. At days 0, 14 and 60 of the fermentation process, the nutritional composition and fermentation quality indicators of each group were measured. A complete factorial design to assess the effect of the ensiling time, types of fermented straw (treatment group) and their interactions on the assessed parameters was performed. In addition, metabolomics sequencing and microbial community analysis were performed on the samples on the 60th day of fermentation. Compared with the corn straw group and the soybean straw group, the silage fermentation quality of the corn straw–soybean straw group is better, which is reflected in higher crude protein rate (p &lt; 0.05), higher lactic acid content (p &lt; 0.05) and lower ammonia nitrogen content (p &lt; 0.05). The combined analysis of differential microbial taxa (species level) and differential metabolites revealed a positive correlation between certain bacterial species, such as manihotivorans, brevis and zeae, and significantly downregulated metabolites, such as pyrocatechol and N-benzoyltyramine. Similarly, positive correlations were observed between certain bacterial species, such as dublinensis, marcescens and agglomerans, and upregulated metabolites, such as D-xylonic acid and neochlorogenic acid. These findings suggest that the key microbial–metabolite pathways identified are responsible for the good fermentation quality observed during mixed fermentation of corn straw and soybean straw at a 1:1 mass ratio.

Combined Ensiling of Tropical Beans and Sugarcane Stalks: Effects on Their Secondary Metabolites

In this study, the effect of mixed silage on the chemical composition, ensilability, in vitro cellulase digestibility and some of their plant secondary metabolites (PSM) were assessed. The lab-scale silage mixes were made in triplicate from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) stalk and Canavalia ensiformis or Mucuna pruriens beans (Santa Clara, Cuba). Sugarcane stalks and beans were mixed at a ratio of 40:60 (on DM basis), respectively, in combination with a mixture of microbial inoculants (Lactobacillus acidophilus, and two Kluyveromyces fragilis strains, 4 × 105 colony forming units (CFU)/g of fresh matter). Before and after ensiling, the chemical composition, ensilability and contents of some PSM (trypsin inhibitor, L-canavanine, total tannins, L-dopa and phytic acid) were determined. A complete factorial design to assess the effect of the ensiling time (30, 60 or 90 days), the legume type (LT) and their interactions on the assessed parameters were performed. A better silage fermentation quality of the M. pruriens–sugarcane mixed material [e.g., lower (p &lt; 0.05) pH and ammonia N content and higher (p &lt; 0.05) concentration of lactic acid] was observed as compared with the C. ensiformis–sugarcane mixed material. The ensiling process reduced (p &lt; 0.001) the studied PSM, being higher (p &lt; 0.001) in the M. pruriens–sugarcane silages than in the C. ensiformis–sugarcane silages [trypsin inhibitor (86 vs. 76%); L-canavanine (70 vs. 53%); total tannins (54 vs. 50%); L-Dopa (89 vs. 86%)], except for phytic acid (65 vs. 68%), respectively]. It was concluded that ensiling enhances the quality of the feeds by predigestive reduction of the amount of secondary plant metabolites.

Strategies to Maximize Kernel Processing in a Brazilian Vitreous Endosperm Hybrid

Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is a major source of forage for dairy cattle in Brazil. Improved kernel processing may be especially advantageous when feeding corn hybrids with vitreous endosperms. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the theoretical length of cut (TLOC) and ensiling time on WPCS particle size and kernel processing with two types of forage harvesters. In the first trial, the plant was harvested by a pull-type forage harvester (PTFH) at TLOCs of 3, 6 and 9 mm. In the second trial, the harvesting was performed by a self-propelled forage harvester (SPFH) at TLOCs of 6, 12 and 18 mm, with a roll gap of 3 mm. The WPCS were stored for 0, 35 and 140 days. In the PTFH trial, the TLOCs of 3 and 6 mm did not affect the WPCS particle size distribution and mean particle length (MPL). However, the TLOC of 9 mm increased the MPL. The increase in the TLOC with the SPFH led to a higher MPL and percentage of long particles. The ensiling time increased the MPL and long particles only for the WPCS harvested by the SPFH. The strategy of reducing the TLOC with the SPFH increased the percentage of kernels smaller than 4.75 mm. Furthermore, the TLOC of 6 mm led to the best kernel processing with the SPFH. The ensiling time reduced the particle size of the kernel fractions for both forage harvesters. The corn silage processing score was improved with 140 days of ensiling with the SPFH. These findings suggest that increasing the ensiling time and a low TLOC in SPFHs (6 mm) may be good strategies to increase kernel damage and starch digestibility in WPCS.

Chemical-bromatological composition of elephant grass silage with increasing levels of acerola by-product

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical-bromatological composition of elephant grass (EG) silages with the addition of acerola by-product (ABP). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments: Treatment 1 = 100% EG; Treatment 2 = 94% EG + 06% ABP; Treatment 3 = 88% EG + 12% ABP; Treatment 4 = 82% EG + 18% ABP and Treatment 5 = 76% EG + 24% ABP, with four replications (silos). EG and ABP were mixed at the time of ensiling. The silos were open at 42 days and samples were collect for chemical analysis. The addition of up to 24% of ABP in EG silage significantly (P&lt;.05) increases the pH, dry matter (DM) and crude protein levels, thus providing fermentations within desirable standards. The estimated dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ash and ethereal extract of EG silage was not influenced by ABP. Total digestible nutrients, total carbohydrates, hemicellulose and estimated DM digestibility decreased linearly. The high levels of NDF and acid detergent fiber of the ABP compromise the DM digestibility, reducing the nutritional value of the silages.

Influences of growth stage and ensiling time on fermentation profile, bacterial community compositions and their predicted functionality during ensiling of Italian ryegrass

The study evaluated the effects of growth stage and ensiling time on silage fermentation characteristics, bacterial communities and their predicted functional potential in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage. Italian ryegrass (IR) was harvested at heading (Earing rate >50 %, IR1) and blooming stages (>50% bloom, IR2), respectively. The harvested IR was ensiled in 15-L plastic silos. The experiment had a completely randomized design. Triplicate silos were sampled after 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of fermentation, respectively. The fermentation products were analyzed on each sampling day. The bacterial communities and their functional potential and phenotype on day 3 and 60 were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technique and PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) method. With the advancing maturity of IR, the neutral detergent fiber and dry matter (DM) contents, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic bacteria populations increased, while water soluble carbohydrate contents and buffering capacity decreased. Larger lactic acid contents were accumulated in IR1 than IR2 at the early stage of fermentation. Higher contents of ethanol and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were found in IR1 compared to IR2 at the late stage of ensiling. After 60 days, IR1 and IR2 both had good fermentation quality with low pH values (∼4.08), and acceptable levels of NH3-N (∼67.6 g/kg total nitrogen) and butyric acid (∼1.08 g/kg DM). The IR2 had lower abundance of Lactobacillus on day 3, and higher abundances of Kosakonia and Pantoea on day 60 compared to IR1. The bacterial community in IR2 had higher activity in metabolic pathway. Overall, high throughput sequencing technique combined with PICRUSt2 method can improve our understanding of the silage microbiology to further regulate the fermentation products.

Effect of storage time on the silage quality and microbial community of mixed maize and faba bean in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Tibetan Plateau is facing serious shortage of forage in winter and spring season due to its special geographical location. Utilization of forages is useful to alleviate the forage shortage in winter and spring season. Consequently, the current study was aimed to evaluate the influence of storage time on the silage quality and microbial community of the maize (Zea mays L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) mixed silage at Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Maize and faba bean were ensiled with a fresh weight ratio of 7:3, followed by 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of ensiling. The results showed the pH value of mixed silage was below 4.2 at all fermentation days. The LA (lactic acid) content slightly fluctuated with the extension of fermentation time, with 33.76 g/kg DM at 90 days of ensiling. The AA (acetic acid) and NH3-N/TN (ammonium nitrogen/total nitrogen) contents increased with the extension of fermentation time and no significantly different between 90 and 120 days. The CP (crude protein) and WSC (water soluble carbohydrate) contents of mixed silage decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with ensiling time, but the WSC content remained stable at 90 days. The Proteobacteria was the predominant phyla in fresh maize and faba bean, and Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas were the predominant genera. After ensiling, Lactobacillus was the prevalent genus at all ensiling days. The relative abundance of Lactococcus increased rapidly at 90 days of ensiling until 120 days of fermentation. Overall, the storage time significant influenced the silage fermentation quality, nutrient content, and microbial environment, and it remained stable for 90 days of ensiling at Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Therefore, the recommended storage time of forage is 90 days in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and other cool areas.

Estimation of silage VOC emission impacts of surface-applied additives by GC-MS

Ensiling, the process of microbial acidification and preservation of wet forage for livestock feed that yields silage, produces a significant amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Measurement of the chemical species involved, their emission to the atmosphere, environmental impacts, and economic losses to agricultural producers have been discussed in previous studies. Strategies for mitigation of silage VOC emission are limited and focus primarily on ensiling efficiency and silage additives at time of ensiling. However, one novel strategy employed by some producers to reduce airborne particulates, “wetting down” or applying water to rations at the feed bunk may also impact VOCs emission. We tested this method in parallel with several other chemical solutions with potential nutritional relevance for effects on VOC emission from silage. A headspace gas chromatography (GC) method was adapted for use with a paired mass spectrometer (MS) to profile silage. The effects on corn silage VOC emissions of surface-applied solutions across a range of pH, viscosity, and hydrophobicity were determined by GC-MS VOC headspace measurements. Surface-applied liquid additives included: water, citric acid, malic acid, molasses, sorghum syrup, yucca extract, seaweed extract, vegetable glycerine, olive oil, grape seed oil, and sunflower oil. Sample-to-sample variation among vials containing 5 g fresh weight (fw) silage collected from a bulked, homogenized silo sample was high, highlighting a need for sufficient replication. The most prevalent volatile acid in corn silage, acetic acid, made up the majority of observed VOCs. However, in total, eighteen VOCs were detected across all samples and the effects of treatments were assessed for each individually and for their sum as total VOC emission. Water applied to the surface of silage samples did not significantly alter VOC emissions as compared to silage alone for most VOCs. The largest observed significant effects were from the oil additives. Grape seed oil increased acetaldehyde and acetone values, while sunflower seed oil increased propionic acid and propyl acetate. Several treatments, including vegetable glycerine and seaweed extract, led to numerical decreases in VOC emissions and lower emission variability. More work is needed to understand interactions between silage VOC emissions and surface-applied mitigation strategies, including: constraining silage sample heterogeneity; investigation of the prevalence of oil-based feed additives and potential impacts on whole-farm VOC emissions; and in situ, on-farm measurements of VOC emission from treated piles.

On-station evaluation of straws and stovers with urea to increase utilization in Somali Region

Wheat straw (WS), barley straw (BS), sorghum stover (SS), and maize stover (MS) were subjected to different times of ensiling and urea treatment levels in order to identify the most effective ensiling time and urea treatment level to attain preferable nutritional aptitude. Both straws and stovers were treated with 0.40 and 0.50 g concentration levels of urea solution dissolved in 0.8 L of water and sealed plastic sheet for one to four weeks. Accordingly, to the general observation at the time of opening, there was no mold growth, appeared golden brown in color, and had soft consistency with a strong ammonia smell ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment. The chemical analyses and IVDMD were done at HRCL. The results showed that the urea level had a no-significant effect on all chemical compositions and IVDMD for all urea-treated straws and stovers. Therefore, treatment with 40 g urea may be more economical. On the other hand, negative and significant (P&lt;0.001) correlations existed between IVDMD and fiber fractions for all treatments. While other quality parameters, IVDMD and CP, were strongly correlated (r=0.90) (P&lt;0.01) for WS and BS. The results also revealed that the treatment duration on both straws and stovers should be 28 days. Key words: Treatment, ensiling time, chemical analysis, digestibility, crop residues.

Yüksek Nemli Dane Mısıra Bakteriyel İnokulant İlavesinin Silolama Süresi ve Aerobik Stabilitesi Üzerine Etkileri

Bu çalışma, yüksek nemli dane mısıra homofermantatif + heterofermantatif özelliklere sahip iki farklı inokulantın ilave edilmesinin, farklı açım dönemlerinde (15 ve 30 gün) fermantasyon ve aerobik stabilite üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla düzenlenmiştir. Araştırma materyalini yaklaşık %64.84 kuru madde (KM) içeriğine sahip kırılmış yüksek nemli dane mısır oluşturmuştur. Laktik asit bakteri inokulantı olarak Pioneer 11CFT (Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 55944, Lactobacillus buchneri ATCC PTA-6138) ve Lalsil combo (Lactobacillus plantarum CNCM MA 18/5U, Lactocbacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788) kullanılmıştır. İnokulant firma önerisi doğrultusunda silajlara ilave edilmiştir. Katkı maddesi ilavesinden sonra silaj örnekleri her muamele grubunda 5’er tekerrür olmak üzere plastik torbalara vakumlanarak doldurulmuştur. Paketler laboratuvar koşullarında 20 ± 2 °C sıcaklıkta depolanmışlardır. Fermantasyonun 15. ve 30. günü açılan silaj örneklerinde kimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik analizler yapılmıştır. Açım dönemi sonrası silajlara 5 günlük aerobik stabilite testi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, silolama süresine bağlı olarak silajların pH değeri, amonyağa bağlı nitrojen (NH3-N), suda çözünebilir karbonhidrat (SÇK), lactobacilli (LAB) ve maya içerikleri artarken, KM içerikleri ise düşmüştür (P&lt; 0.001). Katkı maddesi ilaveli silajların, NH3-N, SÇK, laktik asit (LA), LAB ve maya içerikleri kontrol grubu silajlarına oranla daha yüksek, pH değerleri ise daha düşük tespit edilmiştir (P

Influence of Variety and Ensiling Time on Physical, Chemical and Total Bacterial Counts of Ensiled Lablab and Hay in Semi-Arid Region of Borno State.

The experiment was conducted to assess physical, chemical and total bacterial counts of ensiled Lablab and Hay as influenced by variety and periods in semi-arid region of Borno state. The experiment was carried out at the Animal Science Laboratory, University of Maiduguri. 50kg of fresh leaves from three Lablab varieties were used for the experiment. Size reduction was done in the first part to 3cm, wilted and 3kg were ensiled in mini silo then replicated three times, each variety were then subjected to 30, 40 and 50days fermentation and silage quality were analysed using Completely Randomized Design. The second part (25kg) was spilt into two, then cured under sun and under Shade for 3 days. Results showed no significant difference on the main effects of silage. CP for all the varieties ranges between 11.32 to 12.26%. Furthermore, there was significant difference observed on effects of days of silage on chemical composition. Silage at 50days recorded the highest DM and OM with 90.4 and 87.6% respectively. All fibre fraction in the period measured and interaction effects between varieties and days of silage had significant (P&lt;0.05) difference, with 50days silage recording the highest DM, OM, CF, NDF and ADF for all varieties. However, no significant difference was observed on the main effects of varieties on mineral composition. Quality under different periods maintain green colour at 30days of silage for all varieties. The chemical composition of the two curing methods used for the lablab varieties revealed that DM, OM, NDF, ADF were higher in sun dried hay while CP was higher in shade dried. Physical characteristics of lablab hay under the two curing methods were rated good. In conclusion, white and brown varieties of lablab gave better DM and CP at 30 to 40days silage. Appearance was very good at 30 and 40days of silage and both sun and shade dried lablab were excellent when cured for 3days.

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Molasses Additives on Dynamic Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Native Grass Silage.

Ensiling native grass is an effective method to protect the nutritional quality of forage and alleviate feed shortages in the cold winter of the Inner Mongolian Plateau. To improve the usability of native grass resources as feed in China, the effects of lactic acid bacteria and molasses additions on the microbial population, fermentation quality, and nutritional quality of native grass during silage were investigated. Treatments were a control treatment with no additive (CK), lactic acid bacteria (L), molasses (M), and lactic acid bacteria in combination with molasses (L+M), all of which were stored at ambient temperature (17–28°C) for 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. The results showed that all additives improved nutritional value and fermentation quality with low pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) and high crude protein (CP) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) than control silage over the ensiling period. Compared with L or M silage, the L+M silage combination improved fermentability, as evidenced by higher LA content and a faster pH drop during the first 7 days of ensiling. With prolonged ensiling time, the combined addition of L and M could increase the count of desirable Lactobacillus, decrease microbial diversity, and inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganism, such as Clostridia, Escherichia, and Enterobacter abundance compared with silage treated with CK, L. or M. Application of L together with M could further improve the silage quality of native grass by altering bacterial community structure. In summary, the addition of lactic acid bacteria and molasses increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus of native grass silage and improved fermentation quality.