Effect of two additives on the fermentation, in vitro digestibility and aerobic security of Sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages

Abstract

Two additives (Silo Guard (SG) and propionic acid (PA)) were tested for their effects on the quality and aerobic security of sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages (JC‐1 and WC‐2). Two sorghum–sudangrass hybrid varieties were harvested for ensiling without additives (CK) or after the following treatments: SG at 0·5% of fresh forage or PA at 0·5% of fresh forage, with three replicates per treatment. The addition of SG and PA both affected the fermentation quality and chemical composition of the silages by lowering pH and NH3‐N/TN and increasing lactic acid, the LA/TA ratio, WSC and CP concentrations compared with the untreated silages. In vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) and in vitro CP digestibility (IVCPD) were increased by SG in the JC‐1 silages and WC‐2 silages. Both additives improved the aerobic stability of sorghum–sudangrass hybrid silages. Furthermore, the additives reduced the mould counts and the aflatoxin and zearalenone levels compared with the untreated silages following aerobic exposure. Therefore, ensiling two sorghum–sudangrass hybrid varieties resulted in high‐quality silages. The addition of SG and PA improved silage quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic security.

Effects of mixing Neolamarckia cadamba leaves on fermentation quality, microbial community of high moisture alfalfa and stylo silage

“…According to Han and colleagues (), 20 g of each silage sample was homogenized with 180 ml of distilled water in a blender for 1 min and then filtered through four layers of cheesecloth and filter paper. The pH of this filtrate was measured by a glass electrode pH meter (PHS‐3C, INESA Scientific Instrument, Shanghai, China) immediately.…”

Effect of lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on conservation characteristics, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of whole-crop corn based total mixed ration silage

“…Lactic acid contents in P and PL silages increased (P<0.001) from the beginning of aerobic stability test to day 9 and then decreased, however, they were still above the initial value (at silo opening) on day 12. This may be due to volatilization and/or metabolism of propionic acid during aerobic exposure, which would allow lactate producers to produce lactic acid under aerobic conditions as suggested by Han et al (2015). The pH in P and PL silages was maintained relatively constant throughout the whole stage of aerobic exposure.…”

“…Aerobic deterioration of silage is unfavorable as a consequence of the nutritional losses, and the proliferation of potentially pathogenic or otherwise undesirable microorganisms and mycotoxin synthesis, which can pose health hazards to animals and humans (Richard et al 2009). Propionic acid has been used to inhibit yeasts that assimilate lactic acid when silages are exposed to air and thus, they improve aerobic stability (Han et al 2015). Kung et al (1998Kung et al ( , 2000 found that weak organic acid with strong antifungal prop-erties, such as propionic acid, applied at 0.2-0.3% of fresh forage weight, could improve the stability of corn silage, but this additive showed minor efficiency of fermentation.…”

Effects of mixed modes on fermentation quality and In vitro gas dynamics of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor × S. sudanense) silage

“…Recent research on ensiling technology for sorghum-sudangrass hybrids has focused on the regulation of silage materials (AKDENIZ et al, 2012;BI et al, 2018;GUL et al, 2008;JIANG et al, 2005) and additives (DOLEZAL, 2009;HAN et al, 2015;ZHANG et al, 2010). Chopped straw is a most effective absorbent, consequently, mixing straw with grass is an accepted technique for reducing effluent loss, increasing dry matter and improving fermentation quality of mixed silage (GALLEGOS et al, 2018).…”