Hygienic condition of maize silage (Zea mays L.) depending on cutting height and ensiling additive

Szymańska, Grażyna; Sulewska, H.; Selwet, Marek

doi:10.3906/tar-1304-51

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…The low butyric acid content of the silage, resulting in a good silage quality, can be explained by the high cutting height of the biomass (in our trial about 20 cm). A higher cutting height leads to a lower ash content and less uptake of bacteria, such as Clostridium , in turn leading to lower butyric acid contents (Szymańska, Sulewksa, & Selwet, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield

et al. 2019

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The 8,000 biogas plants currently in operation in Germany are mainly fed with biomass from annual crops. However, feedstock from perennial crops such as miscanthus is expected to be more environmentally benign. If miscanthus is to be used in greater amounts as a substrate for anaerobic digestion, storage will become a relevant topic, as a continuous supply of biomass throughout the year is necessary. The objective of this study was to identify the miscanthus harvest time that best balances the simultaneous achievement of high silage quality, high digestibility and high methane hectare yields. For this purpose, biomass from four miscanthus genotypes with varying senescence characteristics was harvested on three different dates in autumn 2017. Part of the biomass was ensiled, and the methane yield of both ensiled and non‐ensiled biomass was analysed in a biogas batch test to assess the effect of ensiling on the methane hectare yield and digestion velocity. The ensiled biomass was found to have an up to 7% higher substrate‐specific methane yield and also showed a higher digestion velocity than the non‐ensiled biomass. The silage quality was best when miscanthus was harvested in mid‐October, due to highest lactic acid content (average: 3.0% of DM) and lowest pH (average: 4.39) compared to the harvests in mid‐September and beginning of October. Mass losses during ensiling (as high as 7.6% of fresh matter for the M. sinensis genotype Sin55) were compensated for by a higher substrate‐specific methane yield (up to 353 Nml CH4 (g oDM)−1) in ensiled miscanthus. This resulted in non‐significantly different methane hectare yields for non‐ensiled (average: 4.635 Nm3 CH4/ha) and ensiled miscanthus biomass (4.803 Nm3 CH4/ha). A comparison of the four genotypes suggests that Miscanthus x giganteus is the most suitable genotype for ensiling as it had the best silage quality.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield

et al. 2019

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“…Maize's popularity is derived from its high yielding potential, high energy concentration, palatability, and easy application in the total mixed ration and it's all forms (e.g., grain, hay, silage) represent a principal and essential feed source for farm animals on a global scale (Szymańska et al, 2014). Feed produced from maize is also characterized by relatively low nitrogenous content and biological value (Daniel et al, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Nutritional Quality and Aerobic Stability of Sorghum, Maize, and Sorghum-Maize Mixture Silages

Esen

Okuyucu

Koç

et al. 2022

Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi

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The current study aimed to determine the nutritional quality and aerobic stability of sorghum, maize, and their mixture silages without any additives. Sorghum and maize were harvested at dough stage from a local farm in Tekirdağ. Fresh plant materials were chopped to a length of 2-3 cm and packed into polythene bags, and vacuumed. A total of 12 vacuum-packed silos (4 replications in each treatment) were prepared with sorghum (S), maize (M), and a mixture of sorghum-maize (SM) forage (w:w, 50:50 according to dry matter) and stored at room temperature for 60 days. The chemical and microbiological composition of silages with the rate of aerobic deterioration upon aerobic exposure were evaluated. Based on the pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration, all silages could be classified as good quality. The water-soluble carbohydrate level of the SM group increased due to mixing S and M forages, leading to improved lactic acid content. The NDF and ADF values of silages varied between 520.52-588.32 and 234.98-309.01 g kg -1 , and the differences between silages were significant (P<0.01). The Hemicellulose/Cellulose ratio of S, M, and SM silages were found 0.94, 1.49, and 1.18, respectively. The lactobacilli and yeast content of silages were significant and varied between 5.18-7.41 and 5.18-7.29 log cfu g -1 , and the highest and lowest values were observed in SM and S silages, respectively (P<0.01). No visible mold was detected in all silages after 5 days of aerobic exposure (P>0.05). The pH, CO2, and yeast numbers were varied in groups between 4. 88-6.74, 55.71-119.33 g kg -1 , and 8.40-9.01 log cfu g -1 . It was concluded that it is possible to improve the nutritional and fermentation characteristics of sorghum and maize silage by ensiling their mixture. However, it is highly recommended that silage additives should be used to guarantee and strengthen the fermentation and aerobic stability of silage mostly made by a mixture of these two energetic forage crops.

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Hygienic condition of maize silage (Zea mays L.) depending on cutting height and ensiling additive

Cited by 2 publications

References 24 publications

Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield

Miscanthus for biogas production: Influence of harvest date and ensiling on digestibility and methane hectare yield

Determination of Nutritional Quality and Aerobic Stability of Sorghum, Maize, and Sorghum-Maize Mixture Silages

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