Effect of additives and moisture on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of high moisture ear corn

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the most widely cultivated crops used as energy feeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two lactic acid bacteria additives on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) silage at different moisture levels. The study utilized corn kernels and cobs harvested at the stage of complete ripeness as the primary material. The cob was crushed and divided into three treatment groups: an untreated control group (CK), a group treated with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brucei (TQ), or a group treated with a mixture of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brucei (KT). Moisture contents were adjusted to 37.5% (L), 42.5% (M) or 47.5% (H) and then silaged for 180 days. Compared to CK, TQ, and KT elevated the dry matter, crude protein, starch, lactic and acetic acid content of HMEC and reduced the pH, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and ammonia nitrogen content (p < 0.05). Even though both additives improved the bacterial community structure after fermentation, KT experienced the greater enhancement. At a phylum and genus level, KT had the higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, respectively. Compared with the group of 37.5% (L) moisture content, the 42.5% (M) and 47.5% moisture content (H) group increased lactic acid, acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations and reduced the pH value (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of TQ and KT at the appropriate moisture content might be helpful for producing high-quality HMEC. Among the three moisture contents, 42.5% (M) moisture content provides the best silage qualities.

Effects of a Delayed Harvest and Additives on the Fermentation Quality of Corn Stalk Silage

“…The high WSC content in the raw materials can provide enough nutrition for LAB so that lactic acid fermentation can dominate at the beginning of fermentation and drop the pH rapidly. Therefore, the microbial community and WSC content in the raw materials will have an impact on pH [36]. If the fermentation microbial communities in different treatment groups are similar, similar pH changes will result.…”

Impact of High-Moisture Ear Corn on Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbial Diversity in Pluriparous Dairy Cows

“…These acids lower the pH of the storage environment, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing mold, thereby reducing nutrient loss. When the pH drops below 4.0, the activities of yeast, mold, aerobic bacteria, and other microorganisms are inhibited, creating a stable environment that facilitates long-term preservation of the raw materials [7].…”