Effects of Three Different Additives and Two Different Bulk Densities on Maize Silage Characteristics, Temperature Profiles, CO2 and O2–Dynamics in Small Scale Silos during Aerobic Exposure

Abstract

Featured Application: Silage management on farm.Abstract: Silage quality and aerobic stability are sometimes insufficient. If management requirements are not met, or to improve silage quality, additives are often used. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of different factors on silage during aerobic conditions. Whole-crop forage maize was harvested and 24 buckets (65 L) were filled and assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) control (no treatment); (2) chemical additive (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium acetate); (3) a mixed biological inoculant containing Lactobacillus buchneri, L. plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilacti; and (4) a mixed biological inoculant containing L. buchneri, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus. An untreated variation was also ensiled. Two different densities were adjusted during ensiling. After opening, the temperature was measured for seven days and O 2 and CO 2 concentrations were analysed. The findings show that the chemical additive very effectively prevented silage from reheating and deteriorating. Aerobic reheating of silage was also successfully inhibited through biological additives and high density.

Influence of inoculation with Lactobacillus on fermentation, production of 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol as well as Maize silage aerobic stability

“…Driehuis et al [ 21 ] and Jungbluth et al [ 22 ] observed that L. buchneri strains increased acetic acid and 1,2-propandiol concentrations and decreased lactic acid content in silages. Our research findings were similar.…”

Additive Type Affects Fermentation, Aerobic Stability and Mycotoxin Formation during Air Exposure of Early-Cut Rye (Secale cereale L.) Silage

“…Along with the intentionally low packing density of 87 kg DM m −3 , the removal of the rubber stoppers on day 28 and day 57 of storage for 24 h aimed at creating challenging test conditions by allowing air to penetrate and freely circulate through the silage mass, thereby stimulating fungal development. According to Jungbluth et al (2017), packing density affected the gas exchange, reaching the oxygen concentration of air (21%, v/v) much faster in low density than in high density silage [26]. Experimental silages were prepared in triplicate for each treatment and were stored for 64 days in a dark room, whose temperature was set at 21 • C.…”

Effects of Various Additives on Fermentation, Aerobic Stability and Volatile Organic Compounds in Whole-Crop Rye Silage

“…The jars were equipped with a hole (diameter: 6 mm) in the lid and in the body, which were closed by rubber stoppers. The low DM packing density of 154 kg m −3 was used to ensure rapid and free air penetration and circulation in the silage mass [38] to promote fungal development after rubber stoppers were removed for 24 h on days 28 and 46 of storage. Triplicate silages per treatment were produced to give a total of 18 silos, which were stored for 53 days in a dark room, whose temperature was set at 21 • C.…”