We studied the effects of ammonia treatment on microbial populations during the fermentation of corn silage. We also compared the effects of ammonia to a preservative containing buffered propionic acid and other antifungal compounds on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage. In the first experiment, whole-plant corn was ensiled without treatment or treated with ammonia-N to supply an additional 0.3% N (fresh-forage basis). The addition of ammonia immediately increased silage pH and had no effect on numbers of lactic acid bacteria, but delayed their growth compared with untreated silage. Numbers of enterobacteria declined more slowly, but numbers of yeasts and molds declined more quickly in silage treated with ammonia. During the early stages of ensiling, lactic acid increased more rapidly in untreated than in treated silage. The reverse was true for acetic acid concentrations. When exposed to air, growth of yeasts and molds was delayed in ammonia-treated silage. In a second experiment, various levels (0.1 to 0.3%, fresh weight) of ammonium-N or a preservative with buffered propionic acid were added to whole-plant corn and allowed to ensile for 106 d. Silage treated with ammonia had a greater ratio of L- to D-lactic acid than did other silages. Untreated silage was aerobically stable for 32.3 h, whereas the low (42 h) and moderate (52.7 h) concentrations of both additives numerically improved aerobic stability. High concentrations of ammonia-N (0.3%) or a buffered propionic acid preservative (0.3%), markedly improved the aerobic stability of corn silage (82 and 69 h for ammonia and propionic acid-treated silage, respectively).
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculation on the composition and nutritive value of corn silage for lactating cows. In Experiment 1, forage was untreated or treated at ensiling with Pioneer 1174 or Ecosyl silage inoculants. Forage was offered for free choice consumption, and concentrate was fed by a computerized feeder. Treatment with 1174 inoculant had little effect on silage composition and no effect on cow performance. Silage treated with Ecosyl inoculant had greater lactic acid content, but also greater acetic acid and ammonia N contents. Production of 3.5% FCM was greatest from cows fed silage treated with Ecosyl. In Experiment 2, silage was untreated or treated with Ecosyl and fed in a TMR. Inoculation had no effect on silage composition but increased 3.5% FCM production and DMI as length of time on treatment increased. Microbial inoculation can improve the nutritive value of corn silage for lactating cows even if changes in fermentation end products are minimal.
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