Effects of homofermentative lactic acid bacterial inoculants on the fermentation and aerobic stability characteristics of low dry matter corn silages

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of homofermentative lactic acid bacterial inoculants on the fermentation and aerobic stability characteristics of low dry matter corn silages. Corn was harvested at the milk stage. Inoculant-1188 (Pioneer((R)), USA; Inoculant A) and Maize-All (Alltech, UK; Inoculant B) were used as homofermentative lactic acid bacterial inoculants. Inoculants were applied to silages 1.5 x 10(6) colony forming units/g levels. Silages with no additive served as controls. After treatment. the chopped corn was ensiled in 1.5-1 special anaerobic jars, equipped with a lid that enables gas release only. Three jars from each group were sampled for chemical and microbiological analysis on days 2, 4, 8, 15 and 50 after ensiling. At the end of the ensiling period, all silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test for 5 days. Neither inoculant improved the fermentation characteristics of low dry matter corn silages. At the end of the ensiling period, inoculants increased the lactobacilli and decreased yeast and mold numbers of silages. However, Inoculant A led to higher CO, production and impaired the aerobic stability of silages. Inoculant B did not affect the aerobic stability of silages.