Effect of addition of NPN substances and inoculants on fermentation process and nutritive value of maize silage

Abstract

Biomass of maize (hybrid ZP 735) at the wax-ripe stage was ensiled without additives, with the addition of inoculants and with the addition of Benural at 1% of silage. Biomass of the whole maize plant can be successfully ensiled without additives. Adding Benural at 1% of the biomass of the whole maize plant provided an increase in crude proteins by nearly 50%. The addition of inoculants and Benural led to a 44-47% and 49-74% increase in the production of lactic and acetic acids, respectively and, thus, to a higher aerobic stability of silage, with a favourable balance of these acids (2-3:1). The use of inoculants reduced the level of ADF and increased the nutritional value expressed in net energy (NEL and NEM units), and provided higher RFV and greater consuming ability. The general conclusion is that non-protein nitrogen substances (NPN) should be added to maize biomass during ensiling in order to increase CP content, and that inoculants based on homo-and heterofermentative bacteria should be added in order to increase the production of lactic and acetic acids and ensure the aerobic stability of silage and its higher nutritional value.