Influence of lactic acid and cellulolytic bacteria on the physicochemical parameters of alfalfa silage

Abstract

The study is aimed at studying the effect of a microbiological preparation consisting of lactic acid bacteria, thermophilic streptococci and cellulolytic bacteria on the quality of alfalfa silage with different dry matter content. Determined pH, content of organic acids, dry matter and nutrients, including carbohydrates. Inoculant application increased crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber and reduced water-soluble carbohydrates in silage. The preservation of nutrients in the test samples was higher than that of the control. pH corresponded to optimal values; however, lactic acid fermentation proceeded more intensively in the sample with an increased dry matter content.