Effect of a propionic acid bacterial inoculant on fermentation and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage

Authors

K.K. Bolsen
D.R. Bonilla
G.L. Huck
R.A. Hart-Thakur
Matthew A. Young

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1996; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 96-334-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 756; Beef; Silage; Aerobic spoilage; Inoculant; Propionic acid

Abstract

The effects of a strain of Propionibacterium shermanii, applied with and without lactic acid bacteria (LAB), on the fermentation and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage was determined using laboratory-scale silos. The addition of LAB increased the rate of fermentation, and all inoculated silages underwent a more efficient ensiling process than control silage. Only silages made with P. shermanii had measurable levels of propionic acid in the 90-day silages. Corn silages made with P. shermanii were more stable when exposed to air than control or LAB-inoculated silages.

Recommended Citation

Bolsen, K.K.; Bonilla, D.R.; Huck, G.L.; Hart-Thakur, R.A.; and Young, Matthew A. (1996) "Effect of a propionic acid bacterial inoculant on fermentation and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2008