Effects of an Enzyme-Inoculant Mixture on the Course of Fermentation of Corn Silage

¹ Department of Animal, Veterinary and Aquatic Sciences, University of Maine, Orono 04469

Whole plant corn was ensiled in 36 laboratory-scale minisilos to evaluate the effects of an experimental enzyme-inoculant mixture (264 ml/tonne of forage) containing cellulase, xylanase, cellobiase, and glucose oxidase activities on the course of corn silage fermentation. Three silos each from treated and untreated groups were opened after 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d of fermentation. Additive treatment increased the rate of decline of silage pH and tended to reduce NDF and ADF in the first 7 d of fermentation. Titratable acidity was increased by additive treatment at d 2, 14, and 56. After 56 d of fermentation, additive treatment had not affected silage pH but increased titratable acidity, the concentration of acetic acid, and the loss of DM during fermentation and reduced the lactate:acetate ratio. Silage NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were reduced by 11 to 13%, and residual water-soluble carbohydrate was 20% lower than in control silage. Degradation of structural fiber continued after d 28 of ensilage, but residual water-soluble carbohydrate was not increased.

Key Words: enzyme treatment • inoculation • corn silage • preservation

Submitted on December 17, 1993
Accepted on June 3, 1994