Effect of Addition of NPN Substances and Inoculants on Fermentation Process and Nutritive Value of Corn Silage

Abstract

Abstract: Biomass of maize (hybrid ZP 735) in the stage of waxy grain/kernel maturity was ensiled without additives, with the addition of inoculants and with the addition of Benural in an amount of 1% of the silo mass. Biomass of the whole maize plant can be successfully ensiled without additives. Adding Benural, in the amount of 1% of the biomass of the whole maize plant, provided increase in crude proteins of nearly 50%. Adding inoculants and Benural provided for increase in the production of lactic and acetic acid by 44-47% and 49- 74%, respectively, and thus a higher aerobic stability of silage, with a favourable balance of these acids (2-3:1). Application 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 the maize biomass during the ensiling in order to increase the content of CP, as well as the inoculants based on homo-and heterofermentative bacteria in order to increase the production of lactic and acetic acids and ensure the aerobic stability of silage and its higher nutritional value.