Publication Date
1993
Description
In two trials, fermentation characteristics and feeding value of untreated ensiled alfalfa (control) were compared with ensiled alfalfa inoculated (treated) with either a dry (Trial I) or liquid (Trial 2) microbial additive (fermentation nid), containing homofermenlative lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB), Initial (I to 3 days post-ensiling) pH values were lower (P<0.05) for treated silage in Trial 2 only. Also, inoculated silage had lower (P<0.05) ethanol values. At the high level of silage feeding efficiency of feed conversion tended to be improved for steers fed a high level of inoculated silage although, improved fermentation characteristics were not.observed in inoculated silage fed during the feeding trials. Indigenous LAB, associated with the alfalfa, most likely influenced final fermentation.
Citation
Mader, Terry L., "Fermentation Aid for Alfalfa Silage" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 30.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session14/30
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Fermentation Aid for Alfalfa Silage
In two trials, fermentation characteristics and feeding value of untreated ensiled alfalfa (control) were compared with ensiled alfalfa inoculated (treated) with either a dry (Trial I) or liquid (Trial 2) microbial additive (fermentation nid), containing homofermenlative lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB), Initial (I to 3 days post-ensiling) pH values were lower (P<0.05) for treated silage in Trial 2 only. Also, inoculated silage had lower (P<0.05) ethanol values. At the high level of silage feeding efficiency of feed conversion tended to be improved for steers fed a high level of inoculated silage although, improved fermentation characteristics were not.observed in inoculated silage fed during the feeding trials. Indigenous LAB, associated with the alfalfa, most likely influenced final fermentation.
