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Cellulose Degradation by Enzymes Added to Ensiled Forages¹

Dairy Husbandry Section, Department of Animal Science, North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh

ABSTRACT

Various cellulolytic preparations were used to produce changes in fermentation and cellulose content of ensiled forages. Alfalfa, barley, or bagasse was mixed with enzyme preparations and ensiled in fruit jars in three trials. All silages had a characteristic color, odor, and pH of good-quality silage. Apparent cellulose hydrolysis occurred in the enzyme-treated silages (maximum of 29%) compared to the control silages, with a concomitant increase in titratable acidity and reducing substances. Cellulolytic activity was relatively stable in the silage. The effect of these enzyme preparations on ensiled forage needs to be evaluated by animal performance before their full potential can be determined.

¹ Approved by the Director of Research for publication as Paper No. 1466 in the Journal Series.

² Present address: Department of Dairy Science, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Baton Rouge.