Effect of bacterial inoculants on the preservation of alfalfa and whole-plant corn silages

Authors

K.K. Bolsen
R.N. Sonon
B.S. Dalke

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1993; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 93-318-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 678; Beef; Silage; Inoculant; Preservation; Alfalfa; Corn

Abstract

Inoculated and control alfalfa and corn silages were compared in pilot-scale silos. Inoculated silages for both crops had higher lactic acid contents and DM recoveries and lower values for pH, acetic acid, ethanol, and ammonia-nitrogen than controls"”evidence that the inoculants produced a more efficient fermentation. These results are consistent with numerous studies that compared untreated and inoculant-treated silages over a wide range of crops and ensiling conditions in our research during the past several years.

Recommended Citation

Bolsen, K.K.; Sonon, R.N.; and Dalke, B.S. (1993) "Effect of bacterial inoculants on the preservation of alfalfa and whole-plant corn silages," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2118