Effects of multiple strains in an inoculant on the fermentation quality and nutritive value of grass-legume silage

摘要

A farm-scale study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple strains of lactic acid bacteria in an inoculant (manufactured by Medipharm AB, Sweden) on the fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritive value of grass-legume silage. The grass-legume sward was harvested at an early bloom stage of red clover, wilted to a DM content of 348 g kg~(-1) and ensiled in round bales with either an inoculant or no additive. Inoculated and untreated silages were offered to lactating dairy cows in a feeding experiment. Addition of the multi-strain inoculant improved the fermentation profile by lowering pH, butyric acid and ammonia-N and by increasing lactic acid (P < 0.05). Residual water-soluble carbohydrate concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in untreated silages than those treated with the inoculant. Improved fermentation of the inoculated silages significantly decreased (P< 0.01) fermentation dry-matter losses. Aerobic stability was unaffected by the treatment. All components of the dairy feeding experiment, such as feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, were not significantly different between the treatments, however, for the inoculated silages these components were numerically higher.