Effect of microbial inoculants on the nutritive value of corn silage for lactating dairy cows.

ABSTRACT

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculation on the composition and nutritive value of corn silage for lactating cows. In Experiment 1, forage was untreated or treated at ensiling with Pioneer 1174 or Ecosyl silage inoculants. Forage was offered for free choice consumption, and concentrate was fed by a computerized feeder. Treatment with 1174 inoculant had little effect on silage composition and no effect on cow performance. Silage treated with Ecosyl inoculant had greater lactic acid content, but also greater acetic acid and ammonia N contents. Production of 3.5% FCM was greatest from cows fed silage treated with Ecosyl. In Experiment 2, silage was untreated or treated with Ecosyl and fed in a TMR. Inoculation had no effect on silage composition but increased 3.5% FCM production and DMI as length of time on treatment increased. Microbial inoculation can improve the nutritive value of corn silage for lactating cows even if changes in fermentation end products are minimal.