The use of organic acids and bacterial additives and their effect on the chemical properties and digestibility of corn silage

Authors

1 ilam university

2 illam university

3 Faculty Member

4 Asri

5 ASRi

6 Kimiazym

10.22069/ejrr.2026.24169.2024

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Ensiling high-moisture forages is one of the most effective methods for preserving feed for ruminants animals. Corn forage, due to its high starch content and low buffering capacity, is considered a suitable candidate for silage production. However, excessive moisture during ensiling can promote the growth of undesirable bacteria, increase effluent production, reduce nutritional quality, and contribute to environmental pollution. The use of organic acid and bacterial additives is among the practical strategies to improve the ensiling process, minimize nutrient losses, and enhance the aerobic stability of the final product.
Materials and Methods: Experimental silages were 1- corn silage without OA and BA (Con), 2- corn silage contained 1 L/ton fresh forage of OA with 1:6 dilution rate (OA-1), 3- corn silage contained 1 L/ton fresh forage of OA with 1:8 dilution rate (OA-2), 4- corn silage contained Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 100000 cfu/g fresh forage (BA-1) and 5- corn silage contained Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 200000 cfu/g fresh forage (BA-2). All silos were opened after 90 d ensiling and their characteristics were assessed.
Results: The Con silage gad higher DM and lower crude fat (CF) and starch contents than other silages (P<0.01). Crude protein (CP), NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of BA-1 were higher compared to other silages (P<0.01). The Con silage had lower pH and NH3-N content than other silages (P<0.01). The highest acetate and propionate contents were observed in BA-1 and OA-1, respectively (P<0.01). The content of butyrate and lactate were higher in OA-1 silage compared to other silages (P<0.01). Digestibility of DM was higher in OA-1 and BA-2 silages than others (P<0.01). The BA-2 silage had higher NDF digestibility compared to other silages (P<0.01). Effluent production did not influence by OA and BA (P>0.05). The highest fleig point was observed in Con silage (P<0.01).
Conclusion: In conclusion, according to these results addition of Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 200000 cfu/g fresh forgae compared to it at 100000 cfu/g fresh forgae and different levels of OA had better effects on quality and nutrient digestibility of corn silage.
Materials and Methods: Experimental silages were 1- corn silage without OA and BA (Con), 2- corn silage contained 1 L/ton fresh forage of OA with 1:6 dilution rate (OA-1), 3- corn silage contained 1 L/ton fresh forage of OA with 1:8 dilution rate (OA-2), 4- corn silage contained Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 100000 cfu/g fresh forage (BA-1) and 5- corn silage contained Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 200000 cfu/g fresh forage (BA-2). All silos were opened after 90 d ensiling and their characteristics were assessed.
Results: The Con silage gad higher DM and lower crude fat (CF) and starch contents than other silages (P<0.01). Crude protein (CP), NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of BA-1 were higher compared to other silages (P<0.01). The Con silage had lower pH and ammonia-N content than other silages (P<0.01). The highest acetate and propionate contents were observed in BA-1 and OA-1, respectively (P<0.01). The content of butyrate and lactate were higher in OA-1 silage compared to other silages (P<0.01). Digestibility of DM was higher in OA-1 and BA-2 silages than others (P<0.01). The BA-2 silage had higher NDF digestibility compared to other silages (P<0.01).
Conclusion: In conclusion, according to these results addition of Lacobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici at 200000 cfu/g fresh forgae compared to it at 100000 cfu/g fresh forgae and different levels of OA had better effects on quality and nutrient digestibility of corn silage.

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Journal of Ruminant Research
Volume 14, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 15-34

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