Effects of ensiling density on nutritive value of maize and sorghum silages

Abstract

-Studies were conducted to determine the effects of different ensiling densities on fermentation, aerobic stability, and nutritive value of maize and sorghum silages. Maize and sorghum were harvested at dough (363 g/kg) and milk stages (275 g/kg), respectively. Herbages were chopped approximately 1.5 cm after harvest and then ensiled in mini silos at high and low-bulk densities for 8.5 weeks. Different bulk densities were achieved by ensiling different weights of herbage in the fixed-volume mini silos (1.5-L anaerobic jars, Weck, Germany). The obtained dry matter (DM) densities were 168 and 216 kg of DM/m 3 for maize forage and 132 and 178 kg of DM/m 3 for sorghum forage. Fermentation kinetics, the rate of aerobic deterioration upon aerobic exposure, and nutrient digestibility were followed during the periods of ensiling (on days 2, 4, 8, 15, and 60). In all cases, increased packing density resulted in silages with lower acetate content, ammonium N levels, and fermentation losses, but lactate content did not differ. Butyrate was detected in appreciable amounts only in sorghum silage. Propionate was not detected in any silage. Tightly packed silages remained stable upon exposure to air. Tight packing increases the digestibly of nutrients and improves the energy content of silages. These data show that high density limits air infiltration and reduces the oxidation loss during storage and feed-out. As a consequence, more dry matter is recovered and more energy is preserved.

Variations in fermentation, bacterial population and aerobic stability in maize silage

“…Potentially, a difference in silage density is an important distinction between bales and can affect silage fermentation profile, dry matter loss and microbial activity (Sucu et al, 2016). In our experiment, initial bale characteristics, such as mean bale diameter, height, volume, weight and density were 1.28 and 1.24 m, 1.59 m 3 , 877 kg and 170 kg m 3 DM, respectively.…”

Effect of compaction, delayed sealing and aerobic exposure on forage choice and short‐term intake of maize silage by goats

“…In this way, the amount of air that penetrates the silo is minimized and undesirable aerobic micro‐organisms that lead to deterioration and quality losses during storage and feed‐out are inhibited (Johnson et al., ). In a study of Sucu, Kalkan, Canbolat, and Filya (), increased packing density resulted in silages with lower acetate, ammonia‐N and fermentation losses. Tightly packed silages remained stable upon exposure to air, showed increased nutrient digestibility and had higher energy contents than loosely packed silages.…”

Effects of ensiling density on chemical and microbiological characteristics of sorghum silage

“…The pH and the ammonia nitrogen are parameters that help to define a good silage fermentation, because are related to the acceptability of silage by the animals (Pahlow et al, 2003). Sucu et al (2016) in a study with sorghum silage with two densities (132 and 178 kg · m −3 of DM) after 60 days of ensiling observed that the silage with higher density showed higher WSC and CP contents and, consequently, lower DM losses (although no difference observed in the pH level). The pH values from 3.8 to 4.2 are expected in a well-preserved silage.…”

“…The proper density provide an anaerobic environment that is conducive to the LAB development resulting in increased lactic acid production and, consequently, lower pH (Pahlow et al, 2003;Sucu et al, 2016). The pH and the ammonia nitrogen are parameters that help to define a good silage fermentation, because are related to the acceptability of silage by the animals (Pahlow et al, 2003).…”

“…High silage densities promote the elimination of oxygen and ensure anaerobic conditions inside the silo. In addition, increased capacity of the silo and reduced spoilage has another pros -reduced cost of storage (Pahlow et al, 2003;Sucu et al, 2016).…”