Laboratory Silos Research Articles

Effect of Ensiling Density on Fermentation Characteristics and Aerobic Stability of Pennisetum giganteum Silages

The current work aimed to evaluate the effect of ensiling density on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Pennisetum giganteum silages. The silage was ensiled in laboratory silos (1 L), and three treatments were designed according to different ensiling densities: (1) low density (LD, 750 kg/m3); (2) medium density (MD, 900 kg/m3); and (3) high density (HD, 1050 kg/m3). During ensiling, the silage was sampled for a fermentation quality analysis. All silages were well preserved, as indicated by the high lactic acid (LA) content and low pH (<4.2). The MD treatment had the highest acetic acid content (24.9 g/kg dry matter) and the HD treatment had the lowest ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content (68.2 g/kg total nitrogen, TN) among all silages after 45 days of ensiling. The aerobic stability of HD, MD, and LD persisted for 51 h, 54 h, and 48 h, respectively. The NH3-N contents of HD and MD were below 80 g/kg TN during aerobic exposure. These results show that the increase in ensiling density improved the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Pennisetum giganteum silages.

Ensiling sugar beets: Effect of mixer feed used for co-ensiling on fermentation products and losses when ensiled in vacuum bags

Co-ensiling beets with other feeds allows for year-round feeding of beets and reduces the risk of dry matter (DM) loss as effluent from the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of co-ensiling high DM beets with maize and grass/clover silage, grass seed straw, fresh beet pulp, and high DM concentrates (dried beet pulp, wheat distillers’ grain solubles; DDGS, wheat bran, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, soybean hulls, and maize gluten feed) on gaseous weight loss (GWL), loss of effluents, and silage quality. Beets from harvest year 2021 were used to produce two sets of silages in laboratory silos, resulting in a total of 2 pure beet silages and 12 mixed beets silages. GWL was measured by weighing the laboratory silos until 181 days of ensiling. Fermentation was terminated by freezing after 30, 92, and 181 days of ensiling where loss of effluent was also measured. Total GWL was highest in the two pure beet silages (mean ± SEM; 282 ± 5.47 and 250 ± 7.94 g/kg DM, respectively), and differed among the mixed silages depending on mixer feed. Effluent was only observed in the pure beet silage in Set 1. Silage DM content at 181 days of ensiling was lowest for the two pure beet silages (180 ± 10.9 and 165 ± 5.95 g/kg). For all silages, pH was below 4.25 by 30 days of ensiling. Ethanol concentrations at 181 days of ensiling were highest in the two pure beet silages (345 ± 11.5 and 287 ± 11.8 g/kg DM). L-lactate content of pure beet silages was 38.4 ± 1.85 and 31.1 ± 1.21 g/kg DM at 181 days of ensiling. In Set 1, L-lactate content was lower in beets ensiled with maize silage, grass seed straw, dried beet pulp, or DDGS compared to pure beet silage. In Set 2, L-lactate content was higher in beets ensiled with maize gluten feed compared to pure beet silage. Silage concentration of NH3 varied depending on mixer feed. The NH3 content at 181 days of ensiling was 0.817 ± 0.626 and 2.05 ± 0.601 g/kg DM for pure beet silages and was highest in beets ensiled with grass/clover silage in both silage sets (16.4 ± 0.63 and 17.6 ± 0.60 g/kg DM). Co-ensiling beets with forages, high DM concentrates, and protein-rich feeds included in this study lowered fermentation weight loss, eliminated the loss of effluent, and resulted in silages of good fermentation quality.

Improving Total Mixed Ration Silage: Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculants and Antimicrobial Additives on Fermentation Quality and Aerobic Stability

This work aimed to assess microbial inoculants (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri), chemical additives (natamycin and hexanoic acid), and their combination on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability in total mixed ration (TMR) silage. The TMR consisted of 30% water bamboo shell (WBS), 10% alfalfa, 20% rice straw, and 40% concentrate. There were six treatments as follows: (1) deionized water (control, CON). (2) lactic acid bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Lentilactobacillus buchneri; LPB, 1 × 106 cfu/g FW). (3) natamycin (NT, 0.02 g/kg FW). (4) hexanoic acid (HA, 0.02 g/kg FW). (5) lactic acid bacteria + natamycin (SLNT, 0.02 g/kg FW). (6) lactic acid bacteria + hexanoic acid (SLHA, 0.02 g/kg FW). After fermentation, laboratory silos (10 L) were opened to assess fermentation quality, followed by a 6-day aerobic stability test. The results showed that all silages were well fermented with high lactic acid (LA) content, low ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and negligible butyric acid (BA) levels. Among all silages, SLNT silage exhibited the greatest LA, acetic acid (AA) levels, LAB counts, and the lowest pH and NH3-N. For aerobic stability, all additives significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced aerobic stability, delayed (p < 0.05) the decrease in LA and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and the increase in pH, and significantly (p < 0.05) minimized yeast proliferation. The SLNT silage showed the best aerobic stability, with SLHA, NT, HA, and LPB following. In conclusion, SLNT is recommended as the optimal additive in improving the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of TMR silage, with SLHA, NT, HA, and LPB following.

Inclusion of Lonicerae flos improved anaerobic fermentation and antioxidant activity of mixed silage (agro-residue and alfalfa)

Lonicerae flos (SY) is rich in active components including chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, phenols and terpenoids, with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the application potential of SY in silages. Various concentrations of SY (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/kg of fresh weight [FW]) were added to a mixture of alfalfa, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal (80/10/10). All mixtures were ensiled for 30 d in laboratory silos, the experiment followed a completely randomized design, and six treatments were designed according to SY levels, with 5 replicates per treatment. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and polynomial contrasts (SPSS 23.0) to examine effects of varying concentrations of SY. Adding SY enriched relative abundance of Lactobacillus acetotolerans, increased dry matter (DM), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), chlorogenic acid, total phenolics content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) reducing power, and reduced pH, ammonia nitrogen (AN) and structural carbohydrates (NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose) contents. L. acetotolerans was positively correlated with WSC, DM, chlorogenic acid, total phenolics, FRAP, and 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS) concentrations, while negatively correlated with pH, AN and structural carbohydrates contents. Base on the predicted pathways and phenotype of the bacterial community, the addition of SY promoted the genetic information processing (translation, replication and repair, transcription), and inhibited the abundances of potentially pathogenic, stress tolerant and gram negative. Silages with SY at 20 g/kg FW (SY4) or 25 g/kg FW (SY5) had lower pH, contents of AN and structural carbohydrates than other silages. The chlorogenic acid and total phenolics content in SY3 and SY4 were higher than other silages, while FRAP reducing power and ABTS scavenging activity in SY3 (15 g/kg FW) and SY4 silage was highest, respectively. Overall, the inclusion of SY at 20 g/kg FW decreased pH and AN content, more chlorogenic acid, increased the relative abundance of L. acetotolerans and antioxidant activity, with the potential to serve as a feed additive.

Chemical composition and silage quality of urea, molasses, and urea and molasses ensiled soybean husk

The study evaluated the effect of additives treatment on the chemical composition and silage quality of soybean husk in a 28-day experiment, using completely randomised design. Soybean husk was chopped into 1-3 cm length and ensiled in a laboratory silo. There were four treatments consisting of the control (no additive treatment; T1), urea treatment (T2), molasses treatment (T3) and urea and molasses treatment (T4). The colour of the silages was goldenrod, dark goldenrod, peru and burly wood for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Except for T2 which had a pungent smell, silage smell was generally pleasant. All the silages had firm texture. Silage temperature, ether extract and propionic acid were (P>0.05) not affected by treatments. Silage dry matter and ammonia-nitrogen were higher (P<0.05) in T2 than in other treatments. Silage organic matter, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose and butyric acid were higher P<0.05) in the control relative to the additive treatments. Crude protein of the silages was lowest and highest (P<0.05) in T1 and T4 respectively. Silage pH was lower in T3 than in other treatments. Acetic and lactic acids of the silages were affected by additives treatment, and increased in the order: T1 < T2 < T3 < T4 (P<0.05). In conclusion, additives treatment enhanced the nutritive and fermentation qualities of soybean husk. However, urea and molasses treatment produced the best results.

Fermentation Quality and Aerobic Stability Evaluation of Rice Straw Silage with Different Ensiling Densities

Ensiling density has significant importance for the quality and preservation of silage. Appropriate ensiling density could improve the nutritional value, extend the storage time of silage and reduce the risk of mold and spoilage. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of ensiling densities on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of rice straw. The rice straw was obtained after threshing, then chopped and ensiled into a 10 L laboratory silo with three ensiling densities (high density at 700 g/L, medium density at 600 g/L and low density at 500 g/L). Five silos per density were opened after 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days of ensiling, and then, the fermentation quality and aerobic stability were analyzed. During ensiling, high density had the highest lactic acid content, and the lowest pH and ammonia nitrogen. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol contents among all silage, and the contents of propionic acid and butyric acid were trace amounts. On day 60 of ensiling, the Flieg’s point of high density and medium density were higher than the low density. During aerobic exposure, the continuous lactic acid decrease and pH increase were observed in all silage. The aerobic bacteria and yeasts count in the high density and medium density were lower than that in the low density. The aerobic stability of the high density (26 h) and the medium density (24 h) were higher than that of the low density (13 h). It was suggested that if the ensiling density is higher than 600 g/L, it could effectively improve the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of rice straw.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, FIBRE FRACTION AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ENSILED RICE MILLING WASTE ENHANCED WITH UREA AND POULTRY LITTER

The experiment was conducted to examine the physical properties, pH, temperature, proximate composition, fibre fraction, energy content and mineral composition of ensiled rice milling waste (RMW) treated with urea and poultry litter in a completely randomized design. RMW was treated with of Urea and Poultry Litter (PL) and ensiled in in-vitro laboratory silos (946ml). The treatment combinations were; A (100%RMW), B (100%RMW+ Urea), C (80%RMW + 20%PL), and D (60%RMW + 40%PL). The treatments were ensiled for 21 days in triplicates. At the expiration of each ensiling period, samples were taken for analyses. The results for physical properties showed that most of the silages were adequately fermented with sweet aroma. The compounded silages were acidic 4.34 – 4.86 except treatments B and D which had pH of 7.96 and 7.91 respectively. The temperatures of the silages were significantly (P<0.05) different. Based on the physical properties, pH and temperature evaluated, most of the silages can be considered to be well prepared. The proximate composition of silages differ significantly (P<0.05), higher percentages in CF and Ash were recorded in Treatment A. Dry matter content was also significantly different (P<0.05) with treatment A having the highest DM (97.19%). The CP in treatment D (6.13%) proved superior. RMW and Urea mixtures resulted in silages with highest %NDF, %HEM and Energy. Lowest NDF, ADF, CEL and ADL values were obtained in treatment D. The nutritive quality of treatment D was proved to be higher and thus it is recommended for dry season ruminant feeding.

Fermentation Quality and Chemical Composition of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Silage Inoculated with Bacterial Starter Cultures—A Pilot Study

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a plant species cultivated as a raw material for fiber extraction. Alternatively, hemp biomass can be used for feeding or energy purposes. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inoculation with a lactic acid bacteria starter culture on the fermentation and chemical compositions of hemp silages. Hemp shoots (HS) and hemp flowers (HF) were ensiled in mini laboratory silos without or with the inoculation of the commercial starter culture Lactosil Biogaz (Lentilactobacillus buchnerii KKP 907 p; L. buchneri A KKP 2047 p; Pediococcus acidilactici KKP 2065 p). After 7 and 42 days of ensiling, the fermentation quality and chemical compositions of the silages were assessed. The use of Lactosil Biogas for hemp resulted in a decrease in pH, increase in lactic acid (LA), and reduction in fungal abundance in the HS silage. In the case of the HF silage, the bacterial inoculation was less effective; however, an increase in LA and a decrease in butyric acid (BA) were observed. As a result of the ensilage process, decreases in crude fiber and hemicellulose were observed in the HS and HF silages. Thus, hemp ensiling with biological additives is an effective pre-treatment of hemp plants for subsequent biofuel production that can preserve the biomass and provide the year-round availability of feedstock.

Effects of chemical additive and packing density on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of ensiled cocktail forage mix

Recently, the use of cocktail forage mixes in dairy cattle rations has become more common because the mixtures are low-cost, fit well in rotation after a cereal grain forage, and can have similar yield and energy value compared with alfalfa silage. This experiment evaluated the effects of a chemical additive and packing density on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of cocktail mix silage. The cocktail forage mix (brown-midrib sorghum-sudangrass, Italian ryegrass, red clover, berseem clover, and hairy vetch) was harvested, ensiled in laboratory silos (3.79-L plastic buckets), and allowed to ferment for 30 d. The experiment consisted of 6 treatments, 2 chemical additives [CON (30 mL of distilled water) or ADD (sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and fungal amylase)], and 3 packing densities [D100, D75, and D50 (100%, 75%, or 50% of the maximum material in laboratory silos, respectively)], for a total of 24 silos (4 replications per treatment combination). No interactions of additive by density were detected for any parameters evaluated. The addition of the chemical additive influenced fermentation profile, with reduced concentrations of total acids, lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol in ADD-treated silages. Moreover, D50 reduced concentrations of total acids, lactic acid, and acetic acid compared with D100, but had greater pH and yeast and mold counts. Minimal changes in nutrient composition were detected regardless of treatment. Overall, this study corroborates the importance of a well-packed silage during the ensiling process. Poorly packed cocktail mix silages may be more prone to spoilage based on yeast and mold counts.

The Effects of Hazelnut Husk Supplementation on Silage Quality, Deterioration, and In Vitro Digestion Parameters in Second Crop Maize

The focus of this research was to investigate the effects of hazelnut husk on the low dry matter maize silage quality, microbial profile, deterioration, fiber components, and digestion parameters. Second crop maize was harvested at the milk stage of maturity (26,61% DM) and ensiled in laboratory silos with or without ground hazelnut husk. A total of 18 jars of silage were made utilizing two treatments (control silage and 15% hazelnut-contained silage), three different opening dates, and three replicates. All silage analyses were completed during all of the opening periods. Hazelnut husk increased (P

Effects of Packing Density and Inoculation with Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria to Evaluate the Potential for North American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.) Fodder as Silage

Commercial elderberry production requires complete pruning in late fall to maintain productive canes. For integrated farms (livestock and crops), this biomass has potential as ensiled fodder for ruminant livestock. The objectives of this study were to determine the forage nutritive value of late-season (November) pruned elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L. “Rogersville”) fodder when ensiled. A 2 × 2 factorial laboratory silo experiment was conducted testing two packing densities with or without inoculation with lactic acid-producing bacteria silage inoculant to determine effects on silage nutritive values and fermentation parameters. Pre-ensiled elderberry fodder, composited from plants over 2000 m2, averaged 5.6% crude protein, 62.5% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 72.5% neutral detergent fiber, 11.4% non-fiber carbohydrates, 53% total digestive nutrients, and 52% relative feed value (RFV). The two packing densities were 160.2 kg dry matter/m3 and 240.3 kg dry matter/m3. Packing density did not affect any nutrient characteristics of the ensiled fodder. Acid detergent fiber was greater (p = 0.01) in un-inoculated silage, resulting in lower (p < 0.01) RFV for un-inoculated silage. Only lactic acid concentration was affected by packing density with greater concentrations (p = 0.04) in high-density silos. Inoculant affected several fermentation parameters with greater concentrations of (p < 0.01) propanediol, (p = 0.01) propanol, and (p < 0.01) acetic acid, while un-inoculated silages had greater concentrations of (p = 0.03) ammonia-nitrogen, (p < 0.01) lactic acid, (p = 0.02) succinic acid, and (p < 0.01) ethanol. Overall, late-season elderberry fodder was successfully ensiled, but nutritive value was low. Packing density did not affect nutritive value but did increase lactic acid concentration. Inoculation improved the RFV by reducing ADF, and though acetic acid production was greater in inoculated silage, total acid concentration was not affected.

Effect of Fibrolytic Enzymes, Cellulolytic Fungi and Lactic Acid Bacteria on Fermentation Characteristics, Structural Carbohydrate Composition and In Vitro Digestibility of Rice Straw Silage

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fibrolytic enzymes, cellulolytic fungi and lactic acid bacteria on the fermentation quality, structural carbohydrate composition and in vitro digestibility of rice straw silage. This experiment followed a completely randomised block design; four treatments were designed: (1) distilled water (control, CON); (2) fibrolytic enzymes (2.0 g/kg fresh weight (FW), E); (3) Trichoderma reesei (4400 U/kg FW, F); (4) Enterococcus faecium Y83 (1 × 106 cfu/g FW, Y83). All additives were diluted with distilled water and sprayed onto the rice straw (20 mL/kg FW). The rice straw was placed into a laboratory silo (10 L) after uniformly mixing and stored at ambient temperature (17–22 °C) ensiling for 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. The fermentation quality in treated silages was improved compared to the CON, as indicated by lower pH, propionic acid, acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) contents. Furthermore, Y83 had the lowest (p < 0.05) pH and highest (p < 0.05) lactic acid content after 60 days of ensiling. Y83 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the neutral detergent fibre content compared with CON, E and F. In addition, E and Y83 had significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility than CON and F. Overall, Y83 can be used as a promising inoculant for improving the fermentation quality of rice straw silage.

Effect of Spring Maize Genotypes on Fermentation and Nutritional Value of Whole Plant Maize Silage in Northern Pakistan

In the current study, we evaluated the growth, biomass yield, ensiling, and nutritional characteristics of spring maize genotypes grown under the climatic conditions of Northern Pakistan. Six promising spring maize genotypes were grown under uniform standard agronomic conditions in 72 plots (8 m × 10 m), blocked within three replicate fields. Maize crops were harvested at targeted dry matter (DM) content (33 g/100 g DM). Data were collected on plant phonological characteristics and biomass yield, and then the harvested crop of each plot was chopped, and subsamples were ensiled in three replicate 1.5 L laboratory silos (n = 12/genotype). After 90 days of ensiling, subsamples were analyzed for fermentation quality, nutrient composition, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) carbohydrate subfractions, digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD). Results revealed large differences (p < 0.001) among maize genotypes in the yields (tons/ha) of DM (13.0 to 17.9), crude protein (CP; 0.83 to 1.24), and starch (4.16 to 6.67). Except for total carbohydrates (CHO) and NH3-N, the contents of all measured chemical components varied (p < 0.001) among the spring maize genotypes. Similarly, all reported CNCPS subfractions varied (p < 0.01) among the genotypes, except for the non-digestible (CC) subfraction. Among the genotypes, there were large variations in the contents (g/100 g DM) of CP (6.60 to 8.05), starch (32.0 to 37.3), non-fiber carbohydrates (40.3 to 43.8), in vitro DMD (61.5 to 67.9), total digestible nutrients (68.1 to 70.6), digestible energy (2.80 to 3.07 Mcal/kg), and metabolizable energy (2.28 to 2.44 Mcal/kg), with genotype QPM300 having the highest values and genotype Azam having the lowest values. It was concluded that QPM300 is the most suitable spring maize genotype for silage production in terms of yields and silage nutritional and fermentation quality under the environmental condition of Northern Pakistan.

Applying the benzoate equivalent concept in rehydrated corn grain silage

The benzoate equivalent (BEq) concept is a potential tool to compare silage additives that differ in active ingredients and their respective concentrations. Thus, our objective was to define BEq coefficients for potassium sorbate and sodium propionate in comparison to sodium benzoate, and establish an application rate based on the BEq to extend the aerobic stability of rehydrated corn grain silage. Dry corn kernels were ground (hammer mill, 8-mm screen), rehydrated to 350 g/kg moisture, and treated as follows: no additive (control), potassium sorbate (PS) at 125, 250, 500 and 1000 g/t, sodium benzoate (SB) at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 g/t, sodium propionate (SP) at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 g/t, and a mixture of SB, PS and SP (BPS) at 250 + 150 + 53 g/t, 375 + 225 + 79 g/t, 500 + 300 + 105 g/t and 625 + 375 + 132 g/t, respectively. Treated grain was stored for 60 d in laboratory silos. All additives, alone or mixed, decreased the yeast and mold counts, ethanol and ethyl ester concentrations, and DM loss during fermentation, whereas more water-soluble carbohydrates were preserved in the treated silages. The untreated (control) corn grain silage rapidly deteriorated upon air exposure (∼ 41 h of aerobic stability), and PS, SB, and SP, alone or mixed, linearly improved the aerobic stability with increasing application rate. PS (BEq = 1.99) was more effective than SB (BEq = 1), and SB was more effective than SP (BEq = 0.35) in enhancing the aerobic stability. An application rate of approximately 1400 g/t of BEq could extend the aerobic stability of rehydrated corn grain silage for 3 d over that of untreated silage. In conclusion, the BEq concept is a plausible tool to compare commercial silage additive preparations and define their application rates in corn grain silage.

Effect of Sorbic Acid, Ethanol, Molasses, Previously Fermented Juice and Combined Additives on Ensiling Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) Silage

The effects of sorbic acid, ethanol, previously fermented juice and their combined additives on fermentation quality and residual water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) were herein investigated. There were two experiments in total. The treatments of experiment 1 were as follows: control (no addition); sorbic acid at 0.1%, S; molasses at 1.0%, M; previously fermented juice at 5 mL/kg, P; SP; SM; SPM. The treatments of experiment 2 were as follows: control (no addition); ethanol at 1.5%, E; molasses at 1.0%, M; previously fermented juice at 5 mL/kg, P; EM; EP; EPM. The laboratory silos (10 L) were kept at room temperature (~25 °C), and opened after 120 days of ensiling and the chemical compositions of silage were analyzed. Sorbic acid addition significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the silage pH and increased the residual WSC and lactic acid (LA) contents as compared with control. Ethanol addition decreased pH, acetic acid (AA) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) contents, and increased the ratio of LA/AA, LA and residual WSC contents. Molasses addition increased ratios of LA/AA and enhanced WSC content used by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The PFJ addition increased AA and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (AN/TN) and decreased the LA contents. Comparing the fermentation quality among all silages in the present study, the combined additives SM and EM performed best in improving the silage quality of napiergrass.

Soy sauce residue in total mixed ration silage: fermentation characteristics, chemical compositions, in vitro digestibility and gas production

The work aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of soy sauce residue (SSR) replacement on chemical compositions, fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. The experiment followed a completely randomised design, and four treatments were designed according to different mixing ration of SSR, Napier grass and concentrate (based on fresh weight): (1) 65% Napier grass + 35% concentrate (control); (2)15% SSR + 55% Napier grass + 30% concentrate (SS15); (3) 25% SSR + 50% Napier grass + 25% concentrate (SS25); (4) 35% SSR + 45% Napier grass + 20% concentrate (SS35). TMR was ensiled in a laboratory silo (10 L) after mixing. All silos were opened after 60 days of ensiling and then were sampled for chemical compositions, fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility analysis. All TMR silages were preserved well, as indicated by the low butyric acid (BA; <1.60 g/kg dry matter), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N; <50.0 g/kg total nitrogen) contents, and the high V-Score value (>80.0). However, SS25 and SS35 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the BA, NH3-N, ethanol contents and yeast counts, and significantly (P < 0.05) increased the V-Score value compared with the control. SS35 significantly (P < 0.05) increased 72 h cumulative gas production (GP72), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein digestibility (IVCPD) compared with control and SS15. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) among all TMR silages. In conclusion, SS35 replacement was recommended for TMR silage making. Highlights Ensiling is an effective method to utilise soy sauce residue. Soy sauce residue replacement had no unfavourable effect on the fermentation quality of the total mixed ration. 35% soy sauce residue replacement improved the in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration silages.

How do Time, Tannin, and Moisture Content Influence Toxicogenic Fungal Populations during the Storage of Sorghum Grains?

Cereal grains are usually ensiled to improve their nutritional value and are one of the main sources of feed for dairy cattle. However, during storage, grains can be contaminated with toxicogenic fungi. Sorghum is one of the most economically important cereals in the world. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of storage duration and tannin and moisture content (MC) on toxicogenic fungal populations in sorghum grain storage. Samples that were prepared with varieties high in tannins (genotypes Morgan 108 and ACA 558, >5 g/kg dry matter) and with varieties low in tannin content (genotypes Flash 10 and ACA 546, <1 g/kg dry matter) were collected and manually compacted in experimental laboratory silos where they received different MC treatments: low (15 to 25%), medium (26 to 32%), and high (33 to 42%). Freshly harvested grains were analyzed at time 0, and stored grains were analyzed at 30, 90, and 180 days. Fungal isolation and identification were performed following conventional mycological methods. Penicillium citrinum (34%), Aspergillus flavus (60%), and Fusarium nygamai (68%) were the most abundant species. Rapid detection of aflatoxins and fumonisins in each sample was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay according to the AOAC method, and the quantification of aflatoxin B1 was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. In four samples of pre- and poststorage grains, aflatoxins were detected with levels of 6.7 to 28.8 μg/kg and aflatoxin B1 with a level of 2 to 14 μg/kg. Fumonisins were only detected in two freshly harvested samples, with levels of 500 to 900 μg/kg. In general, storage time favored the increase of Penicillium populations and reduced Aspergillus and Fusarium. Conversely the abundance of the three populations was not affected by the MC. The results of this study show that fungal populations must be analyzed at different times.

11 Inclusion of Quebracho Tannin as a Silage Additive in Tall Fescue Silage: Effects on Fermentation

Abstract Tall fescue (Schedonurus arundinaceus) is commonly grazed in the mid-south, but also has potential use for spring silage. During ensiling, protein can be converted to ammonia, but condensed tannins such as those in Quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado) can reduce this conversion. However, acid production may also be reduced. Quebracho tannin was added to chopped tall fescue and ensiled at different moisture concentrations to determine those effects on ammonia and silage fermentation products. Tall fescue was harvested with a Carter harvester at 1000 h, spread on concrete, mixed thoroughly, and dried for 1 and 2 h to achieve 67 and 44% moisture (high moisture (HM) and low moisture (LM), respectively). Quebracho tannin was either not applied, or was mixed with distilled water 48 h prior to packaging and applied at 1 and 2% of the total silage dry matter (DM) to both moisture treatments. Laboratory silos were pressed to achieve a packing density of 192 kg/m3 and stored at room temperature (23.7 ℃) for 60 d, after which sub-samples were removed and analyzed for fermentation parameters. Post-ensiling crude protein (CP) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from LM vs. HM, but did not differ among tannin treatments (P = 0.11). Ammonia concentrations (%CP equivalent) were greatest in 0% tannin (P &amp;lt; 0.05). A moisture by tannin interaction affected acetic acid, with greater concentrations in HM silages with 0 and 2% tannin compared to LM with 2% tannin. Lactic acid (%) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in 0 compared to 2% tannin, but 1% did not differ from either 0 or 2% tannin. Butyrate was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in HM, and in silos with 2% tannin, but not 1% tannin. Overall, total acids (%) were greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in HM but did not differ (P = 0.54) among tannin treatments. Therefore, ensiling tall fescue with tannins reduced proteolysis regardless of moisture concentration, and did not reduce fermentation up to 2% tannin inclusion.

Effects of microbial inoculation on dry matter losses, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of wet brewers grain stored with increasing concentrations of dry ground corn

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of microbial inoculation and storage length on the fermentation profile, dry matter losses and aerobic stability of wet brewers grains (WBG) ensiled with increasing amounts of dry ground corn (DGC). Pure WBG (210 g/kg of dry matter [DM]) and 3 mixtures of WBG and DGC were prepared targeting for a dry matter content of 350 g/kg (RC35), 500 g/kg (RC50) or 650 g/kg (RC65). Distilled water (CON) or one of two microbial inoculants were applied, a combination with Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Propionibacterium freudenreichii at 2 × 104 cfu/g of fresh forage (PPPF), or a heterofermentative with Lactobacillus buchneri at 7.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (LBPP). Mixtures were ensiled in laboratory silos in quadruplicate and opened at two storage lengths (SL), 30 or 60 days (30 d and 60 d, respectively). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Butyric acid concentration decreased (P < 0.04) with addition DGC regardless of microbial inoculation. Mixtures with greater amounts of DGC (RC50 and RC60) reduced (P < 0.01) DM losses and pH, regardless of inoculation or storage length. Lactic acid concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) with intermediate addition of corn (RC35 and RC50). Acetic acid concentration did not differ among inoculation treatments when corn was added to the mixtures; however, LBPP increased 1,2-propanediol in RC50 and RC60. Moreover, LBPP increased aerobic stability only for the RC65 mixture. In conclusion, the addition of DGC to WBG improves fermentation and decreases DM losses, while inoculation with LBPP can improve aerobic stability in RC65. Our data suggests that adding DGC to WBG is a feasible strategy to store WBG for up to 60 days and inoculation with PPPF and LBPP can improve further the conditions of the WBG and DGC mixtures silage.

Effects of different moist orange pulp inclusions in the corn grain rehydration for silage production on chemical composition, fermentation, aerobic stability, microbiological profile, and losses.

This study evaluated the effects of different moist orange pulp (MOP) inclusions in corn grain rehydration for silage production as a strategy to store and use MOP and whether these inclusions result in adequate fermentation and aerobic stability (AE) and acceptable losses. Ground corn grain and MOP were weighed separately and mixed to obtain MOP inclusions of 21%, 34%, or 42%. The control treatment was obtained with corn rehydrated with distilled water and MOP inclusion of 0%, with five laboratory silos (15-L buckets) per treatment. Acid detergent fiber, acid detergent insoluble protein, acid detergent lignin, lactic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol contents increased linearly with increasing MOP inclusion, whereas starch, in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility and butyric acid contents and pH decreased linearly. NH3 -N/TN content reduced quadratically and was minimal with 8.34 g/kg DM at 14% MOP inclusion. Total DM losses increased quadratically with maximal losses of 4.26% DM at 25% MOP inclusion. AE reduced by 2.8h for each 1% increase in MOP inclusion. Rehydration of corn grain with MOP results in an adequate fermentation process. The inclusion of 34% MOP was the best because DM losses were lower and AE was not drastically reduced.