This research investigated the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) preparations on microbial population counts and silage quality of whole maize silage during fermentation and on aerobic exposure after fermentation. The aim was to test if inoculation with LAB preparations can improve silage quality and aerobic stability. Three different LAB preparations [Homofermentative (Homo), Heterofermentative (Hetero), combined Homo+Hetero] were added to whole maize during ensiling. A blank control treatment was also included. Data on microbial population count, fermentation quality and nutrient contents of silage were evaluated during fermentation at 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after ensiling, and on completion of fermentation, after 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days of aerobic exposure. It was found that both during maize silage fermentation and during subsequent aerobic exposure, the LAB population counts, the lactic and acetic acid concentrations were significantly increased compared with the blank control treatment, while the numbers of aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds and crude protein loss were significantly reduced and the concentrations of NH3-N and the pH were obviously reduced by addition of the three LAB preparations. These results indicate that LAB preparations improve maize silage nutritional quality and inhibit secondary fermentation after aerobic exposure. The combination treatment Homo+Hetero performed best, and Homo performed better than Hetero.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |