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Effect of Additive on Alfalfa Silage Fermentation Characteristics and Feedlot Performance of Steers¹

University of Nebraska Northeast Station, Concord 68728

ABSTRACT

In each of two trials four large plastic bags were filled with approximately 72 mt of first cutting, early bloom alfalfa (35% dry matter). Fresh alfalfa in two bags was treated with .5 kg/metric ton of a commercial silage additive (Silo-Best⁴). Two bags were left untreated. When compared with steers fed untreated alfalfa silage, weight gains, intakes, and feed efficiencies were not significantly (P>.05) altered for steers fed treated silage. However, laboratory analysis showed silage treatment increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (57.0 versus 60.6%) and decreased silage pH (4.98 versus 4.83). Concentrations of propionic and butyric acid were decreased by the additive. Data suggest that anaerobic fermentation was enhanced with the additive. Slight but significant improvements of silage in vitro dry matter digestibility, obtained by treating alfalfa silage with the inoculant-type preservative, did not result in improved performance in feeding trials.

¹ Journal Paper Number 7595, University of Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Department of Animal Science.

³ Present address; Land-O-Lakes, Fort Dodge, IA.