EFFECTS OF CORN SILAGE INOCULANTS ON AEROBIC STABILITY

摘要

Aerobic stability of corn silage can be a major problem for fanners, particularly in warm weather. Silage inoculants, while the most common type of silage additive, have not been consistently effective at improving aerobic stability. This study investigated the efficacy of new inoculant products on corn silage in mini-silos over three trials (one per year). Two new approaches were tested: an enhanced homofermentative inoculant, and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus buchneri). These approaches were compared with untreated as well as three standard homofermentative lactic acid bacterial inoculants. The standard inoculants on average reduced aerobic stability 12 h relative to untreated silage. The enhanced inoculant increased stability in one of three trials. The L. buchneri inoculants improved stability consistently in all three trials except in one case where one of these products had low viability. Of the new inoculants, the L. buchneri products appear to be most consistent at improving the aerobic stability of com silage.