Effect of enzymes and bacterial inoculant and their combination on the fermentation parameter and aerobic stability of maize silage

Abstract

The experiment aimed to assess and compare the effect of bacterial inoculants, enzymes and their combinations on the fermentation process and aerobic exposure deterioration rate of maize silage. Maize fodder was harvested at one-third to half milk line stage (average dry matter 30.62%). Additive were used on a fresh matter basis for silage preparation. The treatments were control (no additive), cellulase, (6000 NCU/kg), xylanase (1500 IU/Kg1), C+X, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP @ 1*106 CFU g-1), LP+C, LP+X, LP+C+X, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, (LF @ 2*106 CFU g-1), LF+C, LF+X, LF+C+X. Silage fermentation parameters and aerobic stability were evaluated after 30 days of ensiling. The addition of additives resulted in increased levels of lactic acid, acetic acid and dry matter recovery, accompanied by a decrease in pH. Notably, the LP+C+X treatment exhibited significantly higher lactic acid concentration (7.63) compared to other treatments. During aerobic exposure on different days, silage treated with combinations like LF and their respective combination demonstrated the lowest pH, yeast and mould counts. In summary, these results indicate that the additives and their combinations effectively improved quality indicators. However, the combination including the heterofermentative bacterial inoculant proved most effective in mitigating silage deterioration during aerobic conditions.