The effect of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on the fermentation and aerobic stability of high moisture corn in laboratory silos

Effects of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and chemical additives on fermentation profile, chemical composition, and nutrient digestibility of high-moisture corn silage

High-moisture corn silage presents a novel approach to reduce forage feeding expenses and enhance animal performance. Nevertheless, given corn's proclivity for starch, suboptimal fermentation quality in high-moisture corn silage can lead to spoilage, posing risks to livestock well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of different additives on the fermentation profile, chemical composition, nutrient digestibility of high-moisture corn (HMC) silage. All treatments improved the quality of high-moisture corn silage fermentation, as demonstrated by a decrease in pH and increase in lactic acid (LA) content. The high-moisture corn silage had a low content of trans fatty acids (TFA). Fermentation effectively decreased prolamin content while increasing 48-h in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), estimated total tract starch digestibility (eTTSD), total digestible nutrient (TDN), and relative grain quality (RGQ) of high-moisture corn silage. Nonetheless, no effect was observed on the 48-h IVDMD of high-moisture corn silage among the different treatments. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP), crude protein (CP), zein, and prolamin closely correlated with the digestibility of high-moisture corn. The study's findings demonstrate that inoculating L. buchneri and potassium sorbate can improve the quality of high-moisture corn silage fermentation and digestibility in different hybrids. The results will provide insights for enhancing farm productivity and profitability in China.

Effects of citric acid and heterofermentative inoculants on anaerobic co-fermentation of Chinese cabbage waste and wheat bran

The effects of Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus hilgardii and citric acid on organic acid production, substrate consumption, protein degradation and microbial community were investigated in this study. The results indicated that combined inoculants induced a significant increase in levels of lactic acid (43 g/kg dry matter), acetic acid (14 g/kg dry matter), butyric acid (5 g/kg dry matter), total organic acid (60 g/kg dry matter) and ammonia nitrogen (20 g/kg total nitrogen). Furthermore, citric acid addition into the combined inoculants caused a significant increase in levels of acetic acid (12 g/kg dry matter), water-soluble carbohydrate (12 g/kg dry matter) and a reduction in ammonia nitrogen formation (22 g/kg total nitrogen). Microbiologically, combining inoculants and citric acid enriched Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus hilgardii and upregulated the functional pathways related to acid production and resistance. Collectively, combining citric acid and heterofermentative inoculants was beneficial to recycle Chinese cabbage waste in producing organic acids.

Short-Term Hermetic Storage of Wet Maize and Its Effect on Quality

Maize is a major crop grown in many regions of the world for human consumption, starch production, and animal feed. After harvest, maize is dried to avoid spoilage caused by fungal growth. However, in the humid tropics, drying maize harvested during the rainy season poses challenges. In such instances, temporary storing maize under hermetic conditions may preserve grain quality while waiting for conditions suitable for drying. Wet maize at the moisture contents (m.c.) of 18, 21, and 24% was stored for up to 21 days in both hermetic and non-hermetic jars. The stored maize was assessed, every 7 days, for germination and related parameters, presence of visible mold, and pH. After 21 days of storage at 18, 21, and 24% m.c., maize germination decreased by 28.5, 25.2, and 95.5 percentage points, respectively, in hermetic jars; and by 28.5, 25.2, and 94.5 percentage points in non-hermetic jars (control). There was visible mold on maize stored in non-hermetic jars after 21 days regardless of m.c. Maize at 21 and 24% m.c. stored in hermetic conditions underwent lactic acid fermentation that reduced the pH. The findings suggest that maize at 18 and 21% m.c. can be stored for 14 and 7 days, respectively, under hermetic conditions without significant loss of quality. Further research is needed to thoroughly assess the application of these findings for temporarily storing and subsequently drying maize on farms and along the grain value chain.

Effects of Apple Vinegar Addition on Aerobic Deterioration of Fermented High Moisture Maize Using Infrared Thermography as an Indicator

This study was carried out to determine the effects of apple vinegar and sodium diacetate addition on the aerobic stability of fermented high moisture maize grain (HMM) silage after opening. In the study, the effect of three different levels (0%, 0.5% and 1%) of apple vinegar (AV) and sodium diacetate (SDA) supplementation to fermented HMM at two different storage conditions (27–29 °C, 48% Humidity; 35–37 °C, 26% Humidity) were investigated. The material of the study was fermented rolled maize grain with 62% moisture content stored for about 120 days. Silage samples were subjected to aerobic stability test with three replicates for each treatment group. Wendee and microbiological analyses were made at 0, 2, 4, 7, and 12 days. Meanwhile, samples were displayed in the T200 IR brand thermal camera. According to the thermogram results, 1% SDA addition positively affected HMM silages at the second and fourth days of aerobic stability at both storage conditions (p < 0.05). Aerobic stability and infrared thermography analysis indicated that 1% AV, 0.5%, and 1% SDA additions to HMM silages had promising effects. Due to our results, we concluded that thermal camera images might be used as an alternative quality indicator for silages in laboratory conditions.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and its metabolites on corn silage quality

Cellulolytic micro-organisms are potent silage inoculants that decrease the fibrous content in silage and increase the fibre digestibility and nutritional value of silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis CCMA 0087 and its enzyme β-glucosidase on the nutritional value and aerobic stability of corn silage after 30 and 60 days of storage. We compared the results among silage without inoculant (SC) and silages inoculated with B. subtilis 8 log₁₀ CFU per kg forage (SB8), 9 log₁₀ CFU per kg forage (SB9) and 9·84 log₁₀ CFU per kg forage + β-glucosidase enzyme (SBE). No differences were observed in the levels of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre due to the different treatments or storage times of the silos. Notably, the population of spore-forming bacteria increased in the SB9-treated silage. At 60 days of ensiling, the largest populations of lactic acid bacteria were found in silages treated with SB8 and SBE. Yeast populations were low for all silages, irrespective of the different treatments, and the presence of filamentous fungi was observed only in the SBE-treated silage. Among all silage treatments, SB9 treatment resulted in the highest aerobic stability.

Fermentation of barley and wheat with lactic acid bacteria and exogenous enzyme on nutrient composition, microbial count, and fermentative characteristics

Characteristics of wheat and barley inoculated with a homo-fermentative (HO) or hetero-fermentative (HE) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were investigated in separate 97 d studies conducted using a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement comparing inoculants (no inoculant, HO or HE) and multi-enzyme (no or yes) addition. The pH declined (P < 0.05) to below 4.5 by day 6, coinciding with peaks in lactobacilli and yeast counts. A more rapid decline (P < 0.05) in pH and lactobacilli count but higher (P < 0.05) yeast count was observed with HO relative to HE. Enzyme addition reduced pH in inoculated grains only, particularly with HE (inoculant × enzyme effect; P < 0.05). Higher dry matter losses (P < 0.05) were observed with HE, most apparent in barley. Lactate was generally highest in HO and was increased by enzyme addition. Acetate was higher (P < 0.05) in HE. Ethanol and ammonia were lowest (P < 0.05) in HO. Wheat neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was reduced by both inoculants compared with control, whereas enzyme addition reduced NDF content in both grains. In conclusion, although not marked, fermentation responses appeared greater in wheat than barley although either LAB inoculant improved grain fermentation characteristics. The multi-enzyme appeared active during fermentation.

Effect of different double-sided plastic films on chemical and fermentation characteristics of corn silage

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different double-sided plastic films on chemical and fermentation characteristics, dry matter digestibility, aerobic stability, physical and dry matter losses in corn silages stored in bunker silos. This was a completely randomized experimental design consisting of three treatments: DF110µm - double-sided polyethylene with 110 µm thickness; DF200µm - double-sided polyethylene with 200 µm thickness; and DFBO - oxygen-impermeable film consisted of double-sided polyethylene with 80 µm thickness overlaid with a translucent vacuum polyamide film with 20 µm thickness. The use of DF200µm film increased the ruminal dry matter digestibility by 4.58% and reduced the silage temperature by 3.1 °C, as well as the physical losses of the corn silage were reduced by 118.9 g kg-1 DM using DFBO and 95 g kg-1 DM with DF200µm; DFBO resulted in the highest aerobic stability (127 hours) of corn silage. The use of DF200µm and DFBO is recommended for preserving corn silage in bunker silos.

Effects of Lactobacillus hilgardii 4785 and Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on the bacterial community, fermentation and aerobic stability of high-moisture corn silage

AIMS

To evaluate the capacity of Lactobacillus hilgardii and Lactobacillus buchneri on modifying the bacterial community and improving fermentation and aerobic stability of high-moisture corn (HMC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

High-moisture corn was untreated (CTR), treated with L. hilgardii (LH) or L. buchneri (LB) at 600 000 CFU per gram fresh weight, or with L. hilgardii and L. buchneri at 300 000 CFU per gram fresh weight each (LHLB), and stored for 10, 30 or 92 days. Compared to CTR, inoculated silages had higher Lactobacillaceae relative abundance, lower yeasts numbers and higher aerobic stability. Treatment with LHLB resulted in a higher acetic acid concentration than LH and higher 1,2 propanediol concentration than LB, such differences were numerically greater at 10 and 30 days but statistically greater at 92 days. At 10 days, all inoculated silages were more stable than CTR, but LHLB was even more stable than LB or LH.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of L. hilgardii and L. buchneri had a synergistic effect on yeast inhibition, leading to greater improvements in aerobic stability as early as 10 days after ensiling.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Lactobacillus hilgardii, especially in combination with L. buchneri, can improve the aerobic stability of HMC after a very short period of ensiling.

Macauba palm cake as additive in elephant grass silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of macauba palm cake (Acrocomia aculeata) on the chemical composition, fermentation and aerobic stability of elephant grass silages (Pennisetum purpureum). The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments were composed of six levels of macauba palm cake (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30%) as additive to elephant grass silage. Dry matter and ethereal extract content of the silage increased linearly with the inclusion of the additive. Addition levels of 15.54% would provide 35% of dry mass, and the limit of 7.00% of ethereal extract in the silage could be obtained with 10.47%. The neutral detergent fiber content reduced linearly from 68.97 to 52.59%, but lignin increased linearly from 6.56 to 7.70%. There was a reduction of 0.17% in the ammoniacal nitrogen content for each 1% of cake. The minimum value of dry matter losses (1.33%) was estimated to the inclusion level of 23.70%. The aerobic stability increased with inclusions between 18 and 24% of cake. The use of levels between 10 and 15% of macauba palm cake are sufficient to optimize dry matter and ethereal extract contents of the silages and to provide a high aerobic stability with minimum losses.

Application of condensed molasses fermentation solubles and lactic acid bacteria in corn silage production

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the application of two lactic acid bacteria and dry condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) in the making and preservation of corn silage. Forage corn materials are divided into eight treatment groups as follows: (i) control, (ii) B2 (Lactobacillus plantarum B2, 1 × 10⁹ cfu kg^-1 ), (iii) LAS (Lactobacillus buchneri 40788, 3 × 10⁸ cfu kg^-1 ), (iv) B2 + LAS, (v) CMS (35 g kg^-1 , fresh weight), (vi) B2 + CMS, (vii) LAS + CMS and (viii) B2 + LAS + CMS. The silage composition and aerobic stability are determined after ensiling for 90 days. Furthermore, the digestibility of the silage product and gas production are evaluated using a trotro digestion procedure.

RESULTS

The assay results indicate that the CMS supplementation and B2 inoculation significantly increased lactic acid concentration (P < 0.01). However, they also reduced the content of acetic acid and silage pH at the initial fermentation stage. The CMS supplemented with B2 (B2 + CMS) showed an improvement in the quality of silage, but a significant decrease in aerobic stability (P < 0.01). The B2 + LAS + CMS treatment yielded an increase in acetic acid production during the late fermentation period and is able to extend the aerobic stability of corn silage. Furthermore, this study shows that CMS supplementation alone can significantly improve the digestibility of the in vitro dry matter (P < 0.01) and the microbial protein synthesis efficiency (P = 0.01). In addition, the CMS supplementation is beneficial for enhancing the aerobic stability of corn silage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combination of CMS supplementation and a suitable inoculation lactic acid bacterial strain can be highly promising for enhancing the higher quality and stability of corn silage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improving the quality of rice straw silage with Moringa oleifera leaves and propionic acid: Fermentation, nutrition, aerobic stability and microbial communities

Mixed ensiling is believed an effective way to improve nutrient preservation and utilization. The effect of mixing Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) on silage quality, aerobic stability and microbial communities of rice straw ensiled with/without propionic acid were investigated after 140 days fermentation. The results showed that mixing MOL decreased the pH (4.69 vs 3.85), butyric acid (17.4 g/kg DM vs not detected), ammonia-N (3.36 vs 2.17 g/kg DM) and fiber contents (626 vs 462 g/kg DM) but increased protein content (88.4 vs 125 g/kg DM) of rice straw silages. It also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (12.96% vs 50.82%) at unsealing and Issatchenkia (2.02% vs 36.03%) after exposure to air, and might improve aerobic stability of silages. The addition of propionic acid could inhibit deaminization activity during ensiling and exposure to air. It is suggested mixing MOL could improve the fermentation quality and nutrition of rice straw silage.

The effect of an additive containing three Lactobacillus species on the fermentation pattern and microbiological status of silage

BACKGROUND

Appropriate combinations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains should be selected to optimize the ensiling process, and the additives should be adjusted to the ensiled forage crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inoculation with three Lactobacillus species on the chemical parameters and microbiological quality (beneficial and harmful microbiota) of grass silage.

RESULTS

Three species: L. paracasei (LPa), L. brevis (LB) and L. plantarum (LPl), isolated from sugar beet silage and characterized based on 16S rDNA sequences and biochemical parameters, were analyzed in the study. Single strains and their combinations were used as silage inoculants. The basic chemical and microbiological (qPCR) parameters of silages were determined. Based on the results of agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA) it was determined that silages inoculated with single LAB strains and LPa + LB and commercial additive (0+) were the best quality ones, particularly with regard to microbiological parameters and they effectively lowered the pH value. A consortium of three Lactobacillus species had no influence on silage quality, whereas LPa + LB and LPl + LB combinations as well as a commercial additive exerted positive effects. Inoculation inhibited the growth of toxin-producing fungi.

CONCLUSION

Only the appropriate LAB composition can improve the quality of the ensiled material (antagonistic relationship). Only the LPa + LB combination was able to improve the value of low dry silage; nevertheless, almost all combinations were able to reduced concentrations of toxin-producing fungi. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of microbial inoculation and particle size on fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and ruminal in situ starch degradation of high-moisture corn ensiled for a short period

Dairy farmers are often challenged with the need to feed high-moisture corn (HMC) after less than 30 d of fermentation. The objective this study was to assess the effects of microbial inoculation and particle size on fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and ruminal in situ starch degradation of HMC ensiled for a short period. High-moisture corn was harvested, coarsely ground (3,798 ± 40 µm, on average) or finely ground (984 ± 42 µm, on average), then ensiled in quadruplicate vacuum pouches untreated (CON) or with the following treatments: Lactobacillus plantarum CH6072 at 5 × 10⁴ cfu/g and Enterococcus faecium CH212 at 5 × 10⁴ cfu/g of fresh forage (LPEF); or Lactobacillus buchneri LB1819 at 7.5 × 10⁴ cfu/g and Lactococcus lactis O224 at 7.5 × 10⁴ cfu/g (LBLL). Silos were allowed to ferment for 14 or 28 d. Ruminal in situ starch degradation increased when HMC was finely ground. In addition, in situ starch degradation was greater and aerobic stability increased approximately 5-fold with LBLL compared with CON and LPEF. An interaction between microbial inoculation and storage length occurred for lactic acid. At 14 d, concentrations of lactic acid were greatest in LPEF and lowest in LBLL. Lactic acid concentrations increased from 14 to 28 d with CON and LPEF, but decreased with LBLL. At 28 d, concentrations of lactic acid were lower in LBLL compared with CON and LPEF. An interaction between particle size, microbial inoculation, and storage length occurred for acetic acid and ammonia-N. At 14 and 28 d, acetic acid concentrations were greatest in finely ground LBLL followed by coarsely ground LBLL. Ammonia-N concentrations increased across all treatments from 0 to 28 d. At 14 and 28 d, concentrations of ammonia-N were greatest in finely ground LBLL and lowest in coarsely ground CON and coarsely ground LPEF. Results from this study suggest that L. buchneri LB1819 can produce acetic acid in as little as 14 d, and that by 28 d, it has the potential to improve the aerobic stability of HMC. Additionally, results indicate that L. buchneri LB1819 has the potential to improve ruminal degradation of starch by 28 d of storage. Finally, results confirm enhanced fermentation and improved ruminal starch degradation with finely ground HMC by 28 d of storage.

Effect of Wild Lactobacillus buchneri Strains on the Fermentation Profile and Microbial Populations of Sugarcane Silage

BACKGROUND

Sugarcane silage has been increasing as a feed in the tropics by dairy farmers. However, sugarcane normally had high yeast population that leads to intense alcoholic fermentation and excessive Dry-Matter (DM) loss during ensilage and after air exposure, as well. There are several patents that have recently shown the benefits of applying Lactobacillus buchneri in forage preservation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the changes in pH, DM, Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) and fermentation end product concentrations that occur in sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with L. buchneri after 45 days of ensiling.

METHODS

Sugarcane plants were harvested with approximately 16 months of growth and chopped at 2 cm. Four strains of wild L. buchneri (56.1, 56.4, 56.9 and 56.26) and the commercial inoculant "Lalsil Cana" were evaluated. For all treatments, the theoretical application rate was 1.0 × 106 colony- forming units (cfu) per g of fresh weight. Data from the silo openings were analysed as a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment (inoculants).

RESULTS

The treatment with L. buchneri affected the DM content, pH, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) population, DM recovery, and concentrations of WSC, lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol of sugarcane silage after 45 days of ensiling. Yeasts and molds populations and the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids were not affected by the treatments.

CONCLUSION

Lactobacillus buchneri 56.1 and 56.4 are considered the most suitable strains for improving the fermentation of sugarcane silage and thus are potential inoculants for silage production. At present, we are preparing the patent application.

Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 producing anti-yeast substances to improve the aerobic stability of silage

Enhancing the aerobic stability of silage is very important in silage production. The objective of this study was to compare the roles of a new bacterial strain Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 with Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso-1 (LP) and Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 (LB) in improving the aerobic stability of oat silage and identify the anti-yeast substances produced by them. After ensiled for 45 days, either inoculated silages or control silage were of pH values lower than 4.2. The control and LP inoculated silage had poorer aerobic stability than LB and ZH1 inoculated ones (p < 0.05). ZH1 inoculated silage produced more acetic acid, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid than LB inoculated one and had the best aerobic stability (p < 0.05). In MRS medium, strain ZH1 produced more hexadecanoic acid than LP and LB strains, more benzoic acid than strain LP (p < 0.05), and the equal amount of benzoic acid to LB (p > 0.05). In addition, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid had low minimal inhibitory concentrations to target yeasts in the pure culture. In conclusion, L. parafarraginis ZH1 had stronger anti-yeast potential and more effectively improved the aerobic stability of silage than other strains used in this study.

Chemical, physical and biological changes of white oat ensiled with different additives

SUMMARY This study evaluated the addition of inoculants on the aerobic stability, nutritional value, and fermentation and microbiological profiles of white oat silages (Avena sativa L.). The trial was carried out in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of three ensiling approaches: oat (O); oat with homofermentative bacterial inoculant (OB); and oat with bacterial-enzymatic inoculant (OBE). The aerobic stability was 9 days for silage O and 14 days for silages OB and OBE. The non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) decreased (16.67 to 14.05% DM) and the crude protein (CP) did not change (mean of 8.98% DM) during the aerobic exposure in all silages. The buffering capacity (BC) decreased, while pH and the ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) increased during the aerobic exposure in all silages. Independent from the aerobic exposure period, BC of OBE silage was higher than O silage (29.67 vs. 24.80 meq/100 g DM). Lactic acid bacteria count in OB silage (7.83 log CFU/g) was higher than in O and OBE silages (5.24 log CFU/g, on average). Also, the OB silage showed high enterobacteria count compared to OBE silage (2.49 vs. 0.76 log CFU/g). The inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici and amylase enzyme at the dose of 1×105 CFU/g does not improve the aerobic stability, nutritional value and the fermentation and microbiological profiles of oat silages.

Effect of High Moisture Ear Corn and High Moisture Shelled Corn Feeds on Laying Hen Performance

The aim of the study was to test the effect of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) and high moisture shelled corn (HMSC) feeds on laying hen performance. A total of 108 Rhode Island Red laying hens were divided by body weight and performance into 12 blocks (9 in each). Each block was assigned to one of three dietary treatments. The hens were fed one of three experimental diets containing 48.0% commercial laying hen diet (CON), 55.7% HMEC (EC) or 48.5% HMSC (SC) on a dry matter (DM) basis. All diets were isocaloric (2.80 mega calorie (Mcal) of (metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of DM) and isonitrogenous (15.5% CP of DM). DM Feed intake (139 to 148 g DM/d per hen), egg production rate (79 to 85%), egg mass (47.6 to 51.2 g/d per hen) and feed utilization (2.7 to 3.1 g of feed DM/g of egg) were not affected by diet. Body weight for the SC diet was significantly less than that for the CON diet (P<0.05). This was possibly due to the low feed intake during weeks 1 and 2 because of the short adaptation period to the experimental diet. The body weight loss of hens fed the SC diet may not have occurred when there had been a sufficient adaptation period. Eggshell strength (3.27 to 3.52 kg/cm²) and Haugh unit (80.0 to 83.6) were not affected by diet. In conclusion, HMEC and HMSC diets do not significantly affect laying hen performance and can be used as a main ingredient of the laying hen diet.

Characteristics of Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 and its role in improving the aerobic stability of silages

AIMS

Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 isolated from silage was characterized, and the effects of inoculating ZH1 and Lact. buchneri (LB) on the aerobic stability of sweet corn stalk (SCS) silage and whole-plant oat (WPO) silage ensiled at 15 and 30°C were studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After ensiling of SCS or WPO in plastic bottle silo for 45 days, silos were opened, and aerobic stability was studied by monitoring temperature change with thermo recorders in silage for 6 days. SCS silage and WPO silage were well conserved naturally at both storage temperatures. However, silages were prone to aerobic deterioration due to the presence of residual yeasts. ZH1 inoculated silages ensiled at both temperatures, LB inoculated silages ensiled at 30°C had better aerobic stability than the uninoculated silages and the LB-inoculated silage at 15°C.

CONCLUSIONS

Strain ZH1 improved the aerobic stability of SCS silage and WPO silage ensiled at both 15 and 30°C, while LB improved the aerobic stability of silage only ensiled at the high temperature of 30°C.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The new strain ZH1 can be used as an effective inhibitor for aerobic deterioration of silage maintained from 15 to 30°C.

Impact of silage additives on aerobic stability and characteristics of high-moisture maize during exposure to air, and on fermented liquid feed

AIMS

To (i) measure the aerobic stability- and describe the characteristics, during aeration, of high-moisture maize (HMM) treated with various additives, and (ii) describe the microbial characteristics of fermented liquid feed (FLF) added HMM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four treatments were prepared with each of three HMM samples: (i) The HMM as is (CONTROL); and the control added (ii) acids (ACID); (iii) heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (HETERO); or (iv) homofermentative lactic acid bacteria (HOMO). After ensiling, aerobic stability was measured (Aim 1) and FLF prepared (Aim 2). The ACID treatment improved the aerobic stability of samples 1 and 3 from 9 to 14 h in the CONTROL to 67-115 h. All additives improved aerobic stability of sample 3 from 32 h in the CONTROL to 104-168 h. No proliferation of Enterobacteriacaea was detected during incubation of FLF.

CONCLUSION

The microbial profile during aeration- and impact of additives on the aerobic stability of HMM depended on the characteristics of the samples. No blooming of Enterobacteriaceae was observed in FLF containing c. 20 g HMM 100 g(-1) .

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The impact of silage additives on aerobic stability of HMM should be tested in samples with varying characteristics. Inclusion of HMM could be a way of improving biosafety of FLF.

Inoculação de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho, em diferentes processamentos

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos, a composição química e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho, confeccionados com ou sem o uso de inoculante microbiano, em diferentes processamentos. No experimento 1, avaliou-se a inoculação de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho triturados, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No experimento 2, avaliou-se a inoculação de silagens de grãos úmidos de milho, triturados e laminados, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2. O material foi ensilado em silos experimentais de PVC (50cm de comprimento e 100mm de diâmetro) e amostras foram tomadas antes e após a ensilagem. No experimento 1, a DIVMS de silagens inoculadas foi superior à de silagens controle, com médias de 80,67 e 79,80%, respectivamente. O pH, N-NH3 (% N-total) e perdas de MS não foram influenciados pela inoculação, com médias de 3,91, 1,19% N-total e 1,18% MS, respectivamente. No experimento 2, não houve influência da inoculação e do processamento sobre a DIVMS, com média de 74,59%. O pH e N-NH3 foram influenciados pela inoculação, com médias de 3,89 vs 3,94 e 0,63 vs 0,72% N-total, para silagens inoculadas e controle, respectivamente. De maneira geral, a inoculação microbiana não altera o padrão de fermentação, composição química e perdas da MS nas silagens de grãos úmidos de milho, independente do processamento. Houve melhoria de 1,09% na DIVMS de silagens inoculadas de grãos úmidos de milho.

ADITIVOS NO PROCESSO DE ENSILAGEM

O objetivo desta revisão foi relacionar os diferentes tipos de aditivos utilizados para ensilagem, seus efeitos e formas de utilização. O processo de ensilagem visa a boa conservação da cultura para utilizar com animais confinados em períodos de alimentação escassa, e para um melhor aproveitamento do material ensilado, o uso de aditivos é necessário. Dentre os aditivos destacam-se os estimuladores da fermentação, os inibidores da fermentação, os estimuladores da estabilidade aeróbia e os nutrientes. A decisão sobre qual aditivo usar dependerá principalmente do custo de utilização e a relação deste com os benefícios alcançados.

Desempenho, parâmetros da carcaça e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros alimentados com cana-de-açúcar ensilada ou in natura

Trinta cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, 26,2±0,6kg e 151±1,7 dias de idade, foram confinados para avaliar os efeitos da utilização de silagens de cana-de-açúcar sobre o desempenho, as características da carcaça e o comportamento ingestivo. As rações experimentais foram compostas de 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado, diferindo quanto ao tipo do volumoso utilizado: cana-de-açúcar in natura, silagem de cana-de-açúcar sem aditivo e silagem de cana-de-açúcar aditivada com Lactobacillus buchneri (5x10(4) UFC/g de MV). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para o consumo de MS, ganho de peso vivo, conversão alimentar e parâmetros de carcaça entre os tratamentos. O tempo de ingestão (min/g FDN) e a eficiência de ruminação (g MS/h) foram menores (P<0,05) para os tratamentos contendo silagem de cana-de-açúcar. Silagens de cana-de-açúcar não alteraram o desempenho e as características da carcaça dos cordeiros em relação à cana de açúcar in natura. A utilização do aditivo microbiano contendo o L. buchneri na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar não alterou as variáveis avaliadas.

Rice straw fermentation using lactic acid bacteria

To efficiently utilize rice straw and lessen its disposal problem on the environment, a lactic acid bacteria community, SFC-2 was developed from natural fermentation products of rice straw by continuous enrichment with the MRS-S broth (MRS broth with sucrose), and used to accelerate the fermentation of air-dried straws. The SFC-2 could rapidly lower the pH of the broth and produce high levels of lactic acid. Using a combination of plate isolation, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and 16S rDNA sequencing, the microbial composition of the SFC-2 was classified into Lactobacillus, mainly comprised of L. fermentum, L. plantarum and L. paracacei. An evaluation of the fermentation effect of SFC-2 on rice straw showed that it lowered the pH and significantly (P<0.05) increased lactic acid concentration in the straw. Further analysis with DGGE indicated that L. plantarum, L. fermentum and L. paracasei were the dominant species during fermentation.

The Effect of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on the Fermentation and Aerobic Stability of Ground and Whole High-Moisture Corn

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculating high-moisture corn (HMC) with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on silage fermentation and aerobic stability. In the first experiment, HMC (73% DM) was ground and treated with nothing, L. buchneri 40788 to achieve 6.6 x 10(5) cfu/g of HMC (LB), a mixture of enzymes (ENZ), LB + ENZ, or 0.1% (wet weight basis) of a liquid mold inhibitor and was ensiled in 20-L bucket silos for 90 d. Treatments with LB and LB + ENZ increased the concentrations of acetic acid and improved the aerobic stability of ground HMC relative to other treatments. Treatment ENZ had no effect on the chemical composition or aerobic stability of ground HMC. The only effect of the liquid mold inhibitor relative to untreated HMC was that it increased the concentration of propionic acid, but this did not improve its aerobic stability. In a second experiment, HMC (75% DM) was harvested as the intact, whole grain and treated with nothing, L. buchneri 40788 to achieve 4 x 10(5) cfu/g of HMC, L. buchneri 40788 to achieve 6 x 10(5) cfu/g of HMC, or L. buchneri 40788 to achieve 8 x 10(5) cfu/g of HMC and ensiled for 120 d. Treatments with L. buchneri 40788 resulted in whole HMC with lower concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrates; higher concentrations of lactic, acetic, and propionic acids; and greater numbers of lactic acid bacteria but fewer molds when compared with untreated corn. As a group, inoculated silages were more aerobically stable than untreated silage, but increasing levels of application did not further improve the response. These experiments showed that addition of L. buchneri 40788, but not addition of an enzyme mixture or a liquid mold inhibitor, improved the aerobic stability of ground and whole HMC harvested between 73 and 75% DM.

The Effects of Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and Pediococcus pentosaceus R1094 on the Fermentation of Corn Silage

The effect of inoculating whole-plant corn at the time of harvest with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 (4 x 10(5) cfu/g of fresh forage) combined with Pediococcus pentosaceus R1094 (1 x 10(5) cfu/g) on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage (37% dry matter) through 361 d of ensiling was investigated. Dry matter recovery was similar between treatments throughout the study except at one early time point (14 d), when treated silage had a lower recovery than untreated silage. The concentration of lactic acid was unaffected by inoculation but inoculated silages had greater concentrations of 1,2-propanediol and acetic acid from 56 to 361 d of storage. In general, inoculation decreased the concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates but increased the concentration of ethanol. The numbers of yeasts was lower in inoculated silage at 42, 56, 70, and 282 d of ensiling. However, inoculation did not consistently improve the aerobic stability of silage, suggesting that microbes other than yeasts may have been responsible for aerobic instability in this study. Even after prolonged storage (361 d), silage treated with L. buchneri 40788 and P. pentosaceus R1094 had normal silage fermentation characteristics.

The Effects of Buffered Propionic Acid-Based Additives Alone or Combined with Microbial Inoculation on the Fermentation of High Moisture Corn and Whole-Crop Barley

Buffered propionic acid-based additives (BP) alone or in combination with a microbial inoculant containing lactic acid bacteria (MI) were mixed with ground, high moisture corn or whole-crop barley and ensiled in triplicate laboratory silos to investigate their effects on silage fermentation and aerobic stability. The inoculant and chemicals were applied separately for treatments that included both additives. The addition of MI alone had no effect on DM recovery, fermentation end products, or aerobic stability of high moisture corn. However, treatments with 0.1 and 0.2% BP (alone and the combination) had more than 10- and 100-fold fewer yeasts, respectively, and they also had greater concentrations of propionic acid than did untreated corn. Corn treated with only 0.1 (161 h) and 0.2% (218 h) BP tended to be more stable when exposed to air than untreated corn (122 h). Treatment with MI + 0.2% BP markedly improved the aerobic stability (>400 h) of high moisture corn. With whole-crop barley, the addition of MI alone, BP alone, and combinations of MI and BP prevented the production of butyric acid that was found in untreated silage (0.48%). All barley silages that had MI in their treatments underwent a more efficient fermentation than treatments without MI, as evident by a greater ratio of lactic:acetic acid and more DM recovery than in untreated silage. Increasing levels (0.1 to 0.2%) of BP added together with MI improved the aerobic stability of barley (190 and 429 h) over the addition of MI alone (50 h). These data show that buffered propionic acid-based products are compatible with microbial inoculants and, in some circumstances when used together, they can improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of silages.

The effect of treating alfalfa with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on silage fermentation, aerobic stability, and nutritive value for lactating dairy cows

Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 and enzymes (beta-glucanase, alpha-amylase, xylanase, and galactomannase) were applied to chopped alfalfa (39% DM) to study their effects on the fermentation and nutritive value of the silage. Alfalfa was treated with nothing, or L. buchneri 40788, for a final application rate of 1 x 10(5), 5 x 10(5), or 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of fresh forage and ensiled in laboratory silos for 2, 4, 8, and 56 d. Treatment with L. buchneri 40788 had few effects on the end products of fermentation through 8 d of ensiling. However, after 56 d of ensiling, treated silages had a higher pH (4.55 vs. 4.38) and higher concentrations of acetic acid (6.40 vs. 4.24%), propionic acid (0.18 vs. 0.06%), and ammonia-N (0.35 vs. 0.29%) when compared to untreated silage. Lactic acid was also numerically lower in treated (3.51%) than untreated (4.12%). Silages treated with the moderate and highest dose of L. buchneri 40788 also resulted in greater recoveries of DM than did untreated silage. Alfalfa (43% DM) was also untreated or treated with a commercial application of L. buchneri 40788 (4 x 10(5) cfu/g, a commercial dose) in farm-scale bag silo. Holstein cows were fed a diet comprised of 32% untreated or treated alfalfa silage, 11% corn silage, 5% chopped alfalfa hay, and 52% of concentrate (DMB) for a 6-wk treatment period. Dry matter intake and milk composition were unaffected by treatment, but cows fed silage treated with L. buchneri 40788 produced 0.8 kg more milk than did cows fed untreated silage. Treated silage had a higher concentration of acetic acid (5.67 vs. 3.35%) but lower lactic acid (3.50 vs. 4.39%) than untreated silage. When exposed to air, the total mixed ration containing treated alfalfa silage remained stable for 100 h, whereas the ration containing untreated silage spoiled after 68 h. Treating alfalfa silage with L. buchneri 40788 increased the concentration of acetic acid, and when the silage was combined into a total mixed ration and fed to lactating cows, it improved the aerobic stability of the ration and increased milk production.