The effect of aerobic exposure on nutritive value and fermentation parameters of maize silage

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of 24 hours aerobic exposure on the nutritive value and fermentation parameters of maize silage under operating conditions in autumn. The maize silage was treated with the addition of granulated biological silage additive (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus) in a 0.25 kg*t-1 dose of matter. The maize silage was stored in unsheltered, impassable 36x23x6m silo, covered with thin translucent underlying sheet and black upper sheet with tires laid on the top at the University farm, Ltd. Kolíňany – large scale dairy farm Oponice. Sampling of the silage from silo was realized by block cutter on 5th of October 2011 at 4 a.m. (before feeding) and subsequently, maize silage was stored at the feeding table in dairy cow's stall. The sampling of the maize silage happened immediately after collection (H0) and after 24 hours of storage at the feeding table (H24). The air temperature in dairy cow's stall was 13.5 °C (H0) and after 24 hours of storage (H24) 15 °C. The temperature of the silage in 30cm depth was 28 °C (H0) and 40.3 °C (H24). After 24 hours of aerobic exposure, the content of dry matter, starch, hemicelluloses and neutral detergent fiber in maize silage was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Our results indicate a reduction in vitro organic matter digestibility and a decrease in energy and nitrogen values during aerobic exposure. We found statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in lactic acid content, the degree of proteolysis and an increase in acetic acid (by 41%) in maize silage with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus during 24 hours aerobic exposure.