Changes in fermentation pattern and quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage by wilting and inoculant treatments

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of wilting and microbial inoculant treatment on the fermentation pattern and quality of Italian ryegrass silage.Methods: Italian ryegrass was harvested at heading stage and ensiled into vinyl bags (20 cm×30 cm) for 60d. Italian ryegrass was ensiled with 4 treatments (NWNA, no-wilting noadditive; NWA, no-wilting with additive; WNA, wilting no-additive; WA, wilting with additive) in 3 replications, wilting time was 5 hours and additives were treated with 10<sup>6</sup> cfu/g of <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i>. The silages samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 days after ensiling and analyzed for the ensiling quality and characteristics of fermentation patterns.Results: Wilting treatment resulted in lower crude protein and <i>in vitro</i> dry matter digestibility and there were no significant differences in acid detergent fiber (ADF), total digestible nutrient (TDN), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), ammonia content, and pH (p>0.05). However, wilting treatment resulted in higher ADF and neutral detergent fiber content of Italian ryegrass silage (p<0.05), and the WNA treatment showed the lowest TDN and <i>in vitro</i> dry matter digestibility. The pH of the silage was higher in the wilting group (WNA and WA) and lower in the additive treatment group. Meanwhile, the decrease in pH occurred sharply between the 3-5th day of storage. The ammonia nitrogen content was significantly lower in the additive treatment (p<0.05), and wilting had no effect. As fermentation progressed, the lactic and acetic acid contents were increased and showed the highest content at 30 days of storage.Conclusion: The wilting treatment did not significantly improve the silage fermentation, but the inoculant treatment improved the fermentation patterns and quality of the silage. So, inoculation before ensiling is recommended when preparing high quality of Italian ryegrass silage, and when wilting, it is recommended to combine inoculation for making high quality silage.

Fermentation Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Sweet Corn Processing Byproducts Silage Mixed with Millet Hull or Wheat Bran and Inoculated with a Lactic Acid Bacteria

“…Moreover, plant cells remain active during the silage process, and the intracellular degradation enzymes degrade proteins to ammonia at low moisture contents [42]. This result was also demonstrated by Liu et al [43], who reported that in fresh ryegrass silage trials, lowering the moisture content led to a decrease in the CP content. The findings of Zheng and Fitzgerald et al [31,44] were also similar to the results of the present experiment.…”

“…In this study, the LAB addition did not have a significant effect on DM. Liu et al [43] reported that the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum to Italian ryegrass silage had no significant effect on the dry matter content. Keady and Murphy's study also proved this point [47].…”

Effects of Replacing Ensiled-Alfalfa with Fresh-Alfalfa on Dynamic Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Compositions, and Protein Fractions in Fermented Total Mixed Ration with Different Additives

“…This change was similar to that observed in the F-FTMR with LP addition at 60 d of fermenting. Liu et al [38] who reported that the TDN of Italian ryegrass silage were lower than before ensiling. However, the TDN content treated MOL and LP exhibited higher TDN content in both of the FTMR.…”

Exploring Lactobacillus plantarum on Fermentation Quality, Gas Emissions, and In Vitro Digestibility of Different Varieties of Litchi Leaves Silage

“…Crude protein and true protein were measured using a Kjeldahl nitrogen analyzer, while non-protein nitrogen was calculated by their difference [18]. After the reaction with anthrone, the content of WSC was determined via colorimetry [19]. In addition, the contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were analyzed using an A220 fiber analyzer [20].…”