Silage inoculants, crucial in modern silage production, comprise beneficial microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria (LAB), strategically applied to forage material during ensiling. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various inoculants produced by different companies. Five treatments were evaluated, including a control group: T1 (Lactobacillus plantarum), T2 (Lactobacillus plantarum + Pediococcus pentosaceus), T3 (Lactobacillus plantarum + Pediococcus pentosaceus + Lactobacillus buchneri), T4 (Lactobacillus plantarum + Lactobacillus acidophilus + Lactobacillus bulgaricus), and T5 (Lactobacillus plantarum + Pediococcus pentosaceus + Enterococcus faecium). Italian ryegrass was harvested at the heading stage and treated with these silage inoculants. Samples were collected over a 60-day ensiling period. Co-inoculation with L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus (T2) resulted in significantly higher CP compared to the control group co-inoculation exhibited with resulted in Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus in the T2 treatment exhibited higher CP content of 106.35 g/kg dry matter (DM). The T3 treatment, which included heterofermentative bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus buchneri, exhibited an increase in acetic acid concentration (11.15 g/kg DM). In the T4 treatment group, which utilized a mixed culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, the NH3-N/TN content was observed to be the lowest (20.52 g/kg DM). The T5 containing Enterococcus faecium had the highest RFV (123) after 60 days. Expanding upon these findings, the study underscores not only the beneficial effects of particular inoculant treatments on silage quality but also underscores the potential of customized inoculation strategies in maximizing nutrient retention and overall silage preservation.

Understanding changes in fermentation characteristics and microbial populations of forage silage during ensiling is of interest for improving the nutrient value of the feed for ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in fermentation characteristics and bacterial communities of whole crop rice (WCR) silage during the ensiling period. The chemical compositions, pH, organic acids and bacterial communities were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after ensiling. The bacterial communities were classified at both the genus and species levels. The dry matter content of WCR silage decreased with the length of storage (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in crude protein and NDF contents. Following fermentation, the pH level of WCR silage was lower than the initial level. The lactic acid content remained at high levels for 3 to 6 months after ensiling, followed by a sharp decline at 12 months (p<0.05). Before fermentation, the WCR was dominated by Weissella (30.8%) and Pantoea (20.2%). Growth of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (31.4%) was observed at 3 months after ensiling. At 6 months, there was a decrease in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (10.2%) and an increase in Levilactobacillus brevis (12.8%), resulting in increased bacteria diversity until that period. The WCR silage was dominated by Lentilactobacillus buchneri (71.2%) and Lacticaseibacillus casei (27.0%) with a sharp reduction in diversity at 12 months. Overall, the WCR silage maintained satisfactory fermentation quality over a 12-month ensiling period. Furthermore, the fermentation characteristics of silage were found to be correlated to bacterial microbiome.

The aim of this study was to prepare rice straw silage using cabbage by-product and persimmon peel which are agricultural by-products produced during the same season in Korea. The treatments comprised a commercial corn silage as the control and four rice straw silages (P15-1, P15-2, P30-1, and P30-2) with different levels of persimmon peel supplementation (15%, 30%) and ensiled periods (1 or 2 months). The cabbage by-products were used to adjust silage moisture (approximately 65%). The quality of the experimental silages was evaluated based on organic acid content, palatability to three Holstein dairy cows, and manufacturing cost. In the corn silage, all chemical compositions, except total digestible nutrients and levels of lactic and butyric acids, were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the rice straw silages. However, considering the quality analysis using Flieg's score, the rice straw silage supplemented with 30% persimmon peel ensiled for 2 months (P30-2) was estimated as second grade to corn silage, and was relatively better in palatability to dairy cows than the other rice straw silages, which were considered third grade. The manufacturing cost of rice straw silages using cabbage by-product and persimmon peel compared to that of corn silage was reduced by 28%. Consequently, to prepare rice straw silage adjusted to 65% moisture using only cabbage by-products without inoculant, 30% of persimmon peel, 10% of ground corn, and 2% of molasses as a sugar source should be ensiled for at least 2 months.

본 연구는 수분함량과 미생물 첨가제가 알팔파 사일리지의 발효특성과 사료가치에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 수행되었다. 알팔파는 개화 10% 시기에서 수확되었으며 수분 함량(M60, M50, M40 및 M30)이 60, 50, 40 및 30%일 때 각각 이용하였다. 1500g을 샘플링한 후, 증류수 10mL을 첨가한 미첨가구(NAD)와 Lactococcus lactis 와 Pediococcus pentosaceus의 혼합물을 증류수(0.1g/10mL)에 1.5 x 1010cfu/g 농도로 희석한 후 접종한 미생물 균주 첨가구(ADD)를 3개월 및 6개월 발효하였다. 수분 및 미생물 첨가제에 따른 연평균 알팔파의 조단백, 중성세제 불용성 섬유 및 산성세제 불용성 섬유에서 차이가 없었다(p>0.05). 모든 발효기간에서 pH는 ADD의 M40에서 가장 낮았다(p<0.05). NAD 처리구에서는 젖산이 M50에서 가장 높았고(p<0.05), ADD 처리군에서는 M40 시험구에서 젖산이 가장 높았다(p<0.05). NAD와 ADD의 M60은 젖산 함량이 다른 수분 함량들에 비해 가장 낮으며(p<0.05) 낙산이 유일하게 검출되었다. 미생물군집의 상대적 풍부도는 ADD 처리구의 M40과 M50에서 Homo LAB (Enterococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus)의 비율이 가장 높았고, Clostridium은 M60에서 가장 높았다.

This study was aimed to isolate bacterial inoculants producing chitinase and evaluate their application effects on corn silage. Four corn silages were collected from four beef cattle farms to serve as the sources of bacterial inoculants. All isolates were tested against Fusarium graminearum head blight fungus MHGNU F132 to confirm their antifungal effects. The enzyme activities (carboxylesterase and chitinase) were also measured to isolate the bacterial inoculant. Based on the activities of anti-head blight fungus, carboxylesterase, and chitinase, L. buchneri L11-1 and L. paracasei L9-3 were subjected to silage production. Corn forage (cv. Gwangpyeongok) was ensiled into a 10 L mini silo (5 kg) in quadruplication for 90 days. A 2 × 2 factorial design consists of F. graminearum contamination at 1.0104 cfu/g (UCT (no contamination) vs. CT (contamination)) and inoculant application at 2.1 × 105 cfu/g (CON (no inoculant) vs. INO (inoculant)) used in this study. After 90 days of ensiling, the contents of CP, NDF, and ADF increased (p<0.05) by F. graminearum contamination, while IVDMD, acetate, and aerobic stability decreased (p<0.05). Meanwhile, aerobic stability decreased (p<0.05) by inoculant application. There were interaction effects (p<0.05) on IVNDFD, NH3-N, LAB, and yeast, which were highest in UCT-INO, UCT-CON, CT-INO, and CT-CON & INO, respectively. In conclusion, this study found that mold contamination could negatively impact silage quality, but isolated inoculants had limited effects on IVNDFD and yeast.

Corn silage is extensively utilized in ruminant feeding on a global scale, with substantial research efforts directed towards enhancing its nutritional worth and managing moisture content. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of normal cutting height and elevated cutting height on whole-crop corn silage. Corn was harvested at heights of 15 cm and 45 cm above the ground, respectively, 45 days after heading. The harvested corn was cut into 2-3 cm lengths and packed into 20-liter plastic silos in triplicate. The results showed that dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of C45 were significantly higher than those of the control, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly lower in C45 (p<0.05). The C15 had higher yields than C45 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total digestible nutrients (TDN) yield of whole-crop corn silage. The increase in cutting height resulted in a larger change in moisture content and NDF per centimeter. After 60 days-ensiling, C45 showed significantly lower NH3-N concentrations. Moreover, C45 had significantly higher lactic acid concentration, lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, and lactic acid bacteria count compared to the control. Mold was not detected and the yeast count was less than 2 log10 cfu/g fresh matter in both control and C45. In summary, C45 improved the feeding value and fermentation quality of whole-crop corn silage at the expense of forage productivity.

This study was conducted with the aim of confirming the impact and relative contribution of extreme weather to dry matter yield (DMY) of silage corn in the central inland region of Korea. The corn data (n=1,812) were obtained from various reports on the new variety of adaptability experiments conducted by the Rural Development Administration from 1978 to 2017. As for the weather variables, mean aerial temperature, accumulated precipitation, maximum wind speed, and sunshine duration, were collected from the Korean Meteorological Administration. The extreme weather was detected by the box plot, the DMY comparison was carried out by the t-test with a 5% significance level, and the relative contribution was estimated by R2 change in multiple regression modeling. The DMY of silage corn was reduced predominantly during the monsoon in summer and autumn, with DMY damage measuring 1,500-2,500 kg/ha and 1,800 kg/ha, respectively. Moreover, the relative contribution of the damage during the monsoons in summer and autumn was 40% and 60%, respectively. Therefore, the impact of autumn monsoon season should be taken into consideration when harvesting silage corn after late August. This study evaluated the effect of extreme weather on the yield damage of silage corn in Korea and estimated the relative contribution of this damage for the first time.

Livestock production costs are heavily influenced by the cost of feed, The use of domestically grown forages is more desirable for livestock feed production. As part of this study, triticale, which is an extremely palatable and easily cultivable crop in Korea, was used to produce low moisture silage bales with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and then stored for different periods. We examined the nutrient content of silage, such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as their organic acids, including lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, at different storage periods. The nutrient content of silages, such as crude protein, ADF, and NDF, did not change significantly throughout storage periods. Organic acid data indicated that lactic acid concentrations increased with increasing moisture contents and storage periods up to nine months. However, further extending storage to 12 months resulted in a reduction in the lactic acid content of all silages as well as an increase in their pH. Based on the present results, it suggested that the production of low moisture silage with the LAB may be able to preserve and maintain its quality without altering its nutritional composition. Also, the lactate content of the silage remained significant for at least nine months.

본 연구는 논과 밭에서 재배한 18개 사일리지용 옥수수 품종들 의 생육특성, 수량성 및 사료 가치를 비교 분석하기 위하여 수행하 였다. 논과 밭에서 출사일수는 조숙종인 신황옥이 78일로 가장 짧 았고, 강다옥이 92일로 가장 길었다. 그리고 논과 밭의 출사 일수 차이는 조숙종(6일)보다 중 ․ 만생종(10일)에서 더 크게 차이가 발생 하는 것을 확인하였다. 간장은 논에서 재배한 옥수수가 밭보다 5~10% 감소하였지만, 착수고율은 10~15% 증가되는 경향을 보여 주었다. 그러나 도복과 후기녹체성은 논과 밭에서의 큰 차이를 보이 지 않았다. 사일리지 사료가치를 증진시키는 옥수수의 암이삭 비율 은 신황옥이 논과 밭에서 55.5%, 47.8%로 가장 높았고, 대부분 품종들은 밭보다 논에서 10~30% 감소하는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 이삭길이도 10~25% 감소하였다. 생초수량은 다청옥이 밭에서 65,750 kg/ha, 논에서 33,880 kg/ha로 최고 수량을 보였다. 생초수 량과 유사하게 건물수량도 다청옥이 밭에서 26,910 kg/ha, 논에 서 21,670 kg/ha로, TDN수량은 밭에서 18,040 kg/ha, 논에서 14,390 kg/ha로 최고 수량을 보여주었다. 사일리지용 옥수수의 사 료 가치를 평가하기 위하여 조단백질, 전분을 종실에서 분석한 결 과 논과 밭에서 재배한 품종간의 차이는 보이지 않았다. 그리고 잎과 줄기, 종실을 이용하여 ADF와 NDF 함량을 분석한 결과 잎 과 줄기는 밭에서는 P3394, P1543 같은 수입종이, 논에서 재배할 때는 신광옥, 다안옥 같은 국산품종이 낮을 함량을 가지고 있었다. 또한 종실에서는 밭보다 논에서 ADF와 NDF 함량이 일부 품종에 서 감소하였지만, 대부분 품종에서는 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 따라서 논과 밭에서 재배한 옥수수 품종들의 사료 가치는 큰 차이 를 보이지 않으므로, 배수 관리 등을 통해 생육을 정상적으로 재배 한다면 논에서의 옥수수 수량성을 확보 할 수 있다고 판단된다

홀스타인 착유우에 수입건초 대신 WCRS로 조사료 일부를 대 체 급여하였을 때 산유성적 및 수익성에 미치는 영향을 검토하였 다. 대조구(C)는 농가 관행 급여방법으로 자가 혼합건초(13kg)와 농후사료(2.6~9.6kg), 오차드그라스 및 버뮤다그라스 건초(1.8kg) 를 급여 하였고, 처리구(T)는 자가 혼합건초(9.6kg)와 농후사료 (2.6~9.6kg) 및 WCRS (2.2kg)를 급여하였다. 건물수량(DMI)을 기준으로 C에 대한 T의 조사료 대체비율은 20% 였다. CP함량은 오차드그라스 및 버뮤다그라스 건초가 각각 11.3 및 8.4%였고, WCRS는 4.6%로, WCRS에서 낮았다. 이는 벼를 수확적기보다 약 30일정도 늦게 수확한 것에 기인하고 있다. DMI는 비유초기, 중기 및 후기에서 각각 T가 C보다 유의적으로 낮게 나타났다 (p<0.05). 유량은 비유초기, 중기 및 후기 모두 처리간 유의적 차 이는 없었다(p>0.05). 실험 기간 중 평균유량도 C 및 T가 각각 26.9 및 26.3kg으로 처리간 유의적인 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 유 지율, 유단백 및 총고형물에서 각 비유기 공히 처리 간에 유의적 인 차이는 없었다(p>0.05). 두당 조수입은 C가 21,141원, T가 21,915원으로 T에서 다소 높게 나타났다. 유사비는 T가 22.9%로 C의 27.8%보다 낮았다. 이상에서 수입산 건초 대신 WCRS로 20% 대체 급여하여도 산유량 및 유성분에 유의적인 차이가 없으 며 수익은 높아 경제성이 있는 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구는 사일리지 발효제 첨가가 볏짚 사일리지에서 곰팡이 독소 및 in situ 섬유소 소화율에 미치는 영향을 평가하고자 실시 하였다. 사일리지 발효제로 L. plantarum 단일제 및 L. plantarum 과 S. cerevisiae의 혼합제를 첨가하였을 때 사일리지의 발효 및 섬유소 분해에 영향을 주었을 뿐만 아니라 곰팡이독소 감소에도 영향을 주었다. 시험 시료에서 곰팡이독소 중 ochratoxin A 및 zearalenone만 발견되었다. Ochratoxin A 및 zearalenone는 대조구에서 각각 38.11±2.22 및 633.67±50.30 ug/kg 수준으로 발효제 첨가로 감소 경향이 나타났고, 혼합제에서만 각각 27.78±2.28 및 392.72± 25.04 ug/kg 수준으로 유의적 차이를 보였다(p<0.05). pH는 대조 구에 비하여 단일제 및 혼합제에서 낮았고(p<0.05), lactic acid는 대조구(8.18±0.93 mM)에 비하여 단일제(11.73±0.31 mM)가 높았고, 혼합제(16.01±0.88 mM)에서 가장 높은 수준을 나타내었다 (p<0.05). Acetic acid와 propionic acid는 발효제 첨가에 따라 유 의적으로 낮아짐을 발견하였다(p<0.05). 그리고 total VFA도 발 효제 첨가가 대조구에 비하여 낮았다(p<0.05). NDF 및 ADF의 반추위 in situ 분해율은 배양기간 동안 혼합제가 가장 높은 수준 의 분해율을 유지하였고, 다음으로 단일제가 높았으며, 대조구가 가장 낮은 수준을 유지하였다. 그리고 이들 NDF 및 ADF 분해율 은 각각 배양 12 및 24시간 이후 모든 시간대에서 실험구간 유의 차를 나타내었다(p<0.05). 이상의 연구 결과는 볏짚 사일리지 제조에서 사일리지 발효제 사용은 발효 및 섬유소 분해에 영향을 주었을 뿐만 아니라 곰팡 이독소 감소에도 영향을 주었다. 그리고 곰팡이독소 감소는 L. plantarum 단일제보다 L. plantarum과 S. cerevisiae 혼합제의 효능이 더 크게 나타났다. 따라서 사일리지 조제를 위한 발효제로 L. plantarum과 L. plantarum 첨가제의 사용은 사일리지의 품질 과 안정성을 더 증진할 것으로 사료 된다.

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of extreme weather on the dry matter yield (DMY) of silage maize in South Korea. The maize data (n=3,041) were collected from various reports of the new variety of adaptability experiments by the Rural Development Administration (1978-2017). Eight weather variables were collected: mean temperature, low temperature, high temperature, maximum precipitation, accumulated precipitation, maximum wind speed, mean wind speed, and sunshine duration. These variables were calculated based on ten days within seeding to harvesting period. The box plot detected an outlier to distinguish extreme weather from normal weather. The difference in DMY between extreme and normal weather was determined using a t-test with a 5% significance level. As a result, outliers of high-extreme precipitation were observed in July and August. Low-extreme mean temperature was remarkable in middle May, middle June, and late July. Moreover, the difference in DMY between extreme and normal weather was greatest (5,597.76 kg/ha) during the maximum precipitation in early July. This indicates that the impact of heavy rainfall during the Korean monsoon season was fatal to the DMY of silage maize. However, in this study, the frequency of extreme weather was too low and should not be generalize. Thus, in the future, we plan to compare DMY with statistical simulations based on extreme distributions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the quality of high moisture rye silage. Rye forage (Secale cereale L.) was harvested at the heading stage (27.3% of dry matter (DM)) and cut into approximately 3-5 cm lengths. Then, the forage divided into 4 treatments with different inoculants: 1) No additives (CON); 2) Lactobacillus brevis strain 100D8 at a 1.2 x 105 colony-forming unit (cfu)/g of fresh forage (LBR); 3) Leuconostoc holzapfelii strain 5H4 at a 1.0 x 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (LHO); and 4) Mixture of LBR and LHO (1:1 ratio) applied at a 1.0 x 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (MIX). About 3 kg of forage from each treatment was ensiled into a 20 L mini-bucket silo in quadruplicate for 100 days. After silo opening, silage was collected for analyses of chemical compositions, in vitro nutrient digestibilities, fermentation characteristics, and microbial enumerations. The CON silage had the highest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (p = 0.006; p = 0.008) and a lowest in vitro DM digestibility (p < 0.001). The pH was highest in CON silage, while lowest in LBR and MIX silages (p < 0.001). The concentrations of ammonia-N, lactate, and acetate were highest in LBR silage (p = 0.008; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Propionate and butyrate concentrations were highest in CON silage (p = 0.004; p < 0.001). The LAB and yeast counts were higher in CON and LHO silages compare to LBR and MIX silages (p < 0.001). However, the mold did not detect in all treatments. Therefore, this study could conclude that L. brevis 100D8 and Leu. holzapfelii strain 5H4 can improve the digestibility and anti-fungal activity of high moisture rye silage.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth characteristics and productivity of silage corn varieties developed in Korea. Corn cultivation was carried out using the experimental field in the Pyeongchang campus of Seoul National University (550 m above sea level). There have 10 domestic cultivars (Gwangpyeongok, Dacheongok, Yanganok, Jangdaok, Cheongdaok, Daanok, Sinhwangok, Sinhwangok Ⅱ, Pyeonggangok, and Hwangdaok) with one imported cultivar (P1543) which tested as a control, and randomized block design with three replications. Among the 100-grains weight of the seeds, Dacheongok was the heaviest, and the germination rate for each variety was 74.6% on average, while that of Daanok and Sinhwangok were over 90%. Sinhwangok was the fastest in tasseling and silking date. The number of days required to be silking date was as slow as 85 days in Dacheongok, Cheongdaok and Pyeonggangok, and as fast as 80 days or less in Sinhwangok, Sinhwangok Ⅱ and Hwangdaok. The plant height of P1543 was the highest as 344cm, and Hwangdaok and Daanok were short. In terms of the ratio of ears, Daanok had the highest rate of 60.18%, and Jangdaok and Dacheongok had the lowest. There was no significant difference in dry matter content in stover, but P1543 was generally higher in ear and total dry matter content. The dry matter yield was highest in P1543, and the yield of TDN was significantly higher in P1543 and Yanganok. There was a significant difference in the crude protein content of ears and the dry digestibility of stems (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the content of each part or element. Combining the above results, Yanganok was the highest in terms of yield, and Dacheongok, Sinhwangok and Pyeonggangok were also recommended for domestically grown corn varieties in the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do.

The present study investigated effects of microbial additives and silo density on chemical compositions, fermentation indices, and aerobic stability of whole crop rice (WCR) silage. The WCR (“Youngwoo”) was harvested at 49.7% dry matter (DM), and ensiled into 500 kg bale silo with two different compaction pressures at 430 kgf (kilogram-force)/cm2 (LOW) and 760 kgf/cm2 (HIGH) densities. All WCR forage were applied distilled water (CON) or mixed inoculants (Lactobacillus brevis 5M2 and Lactobacillus buchneri 6M1) with 1:1 ratio at 1x105 colony forming unit/g (INO). The concentrations of DM, crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber of whole crop rice before ensiling were 49.7, 9.59, 2.85, 6.74, 39.7, and 21.9%, respectively. Microbial additives and silo density did not affect the chemical compositions of WCR silage (p>0.05). The INO silages had lower lactate (p<0.001), but higher propionate (p<0.001). The LOW silages had higher lactate (p=0.004). The INO silages had higher yeast count (p<0.001) and aerobic stability (p<0.001). However, microbial counts and aerobic stability were not affected by silo density. Therefore, this study concluded that fermentation quality of WCR silage improved by microbial additives, but no effects by silo density.

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of soybean silage as a crude protein supplement for corn silage in the diet of Hanwoo steers. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing corn silage with soybean silage at different levels on rumen fermentation characteristics in vitro. Commercially-purchased corn silage was replaced with 0, 4, 8, or 12% of soybean silage. Half gram of the substrate was added to 50 mL of buffer and rumen fluid from Hanwoo cows, and then incubated at 39°C for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. At 24 h, the pH of the control (corn silage only) was lower (p<0.05) than that of soybeansupplemented silages, and the pH numerically increased along with increasing proportions of soybean silage. Other rumen parameters, including gas production, ammonia nitrogen, and total volatile fatty acids, were variable. However, they tended to increase with increasing proportions of soybean silage. In the second experiment, 60 Hanwoo steers were allocated to one of three dietary treatments, namely, CON (concentrate with Italian ryegrass), CS (concentrate with corn silage), CS4% (concentrate with corn silage and 4% of soybean silage). Animals were offered experimental diets for 110 days during the growing period and then finished with typified beef diets that were commercially available to evaluate the effect of soybean silage on animal performance and meat quality. With the soybean silage, the weight gain and feed efficiency of the animal were more significant than those of the other treatments during the growing period (p<0.05). However, the dietary treatments had little effect on meat quality except for meat color. In conclusion, corn silage mixed with soybean silage even at a lower level provided a greater ruminal environment and animal performances, particularly with increased carcass weight and feed efficiency during growing period.

The planting date of corn for silage has been delayed because of spring drought and double cropping system in Korea. This experiment was conducted to evaluate agronomic characteristics, forage production and feed value of corn at April and May in 2019. Experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. Planting dates (12 April and 10 May) were designated to the main plot, and corn hybrids (‘P0928’, ‘P1543’ and ‘P2088’) to the subplot. The silking days of the early planting date (12 April) was 79 days and that of the late planting date (10 May) was 66 days (p<0.0001), however, there were no significant differences among the corn hybrids. Ear height of the late planting date was higher than that of the early planting (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences in plant height of corn. Insect resistance at the early planting was lower than that of late planting (p<0.05), however, lodging resistance was no significant difference at planting date. The rice black streaked virus (RBSDV) infection of early planting was 3.7% and that of late planting was 0.3% (p<0.001). Dry matter (DM) contents of stover, ear and whole plant had significant difference at planting date (p<0.05). And differences in ear percentages were observed among the corn hybrids (p<0.01). And ear percentages of early maturing corn (‘P0928’) was higher than for other hybrids. Ear percentage at the early planting date was higher than that at the late planting date (p<0.01). DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN) yields had significant difference at planting date, however, there were no significant differences among the corn hybrids. DM and TDN yields at the late planting (21,678 kg/ha and 14,878 kg/ha) were higher than those of the early planting (13,732 kg/ha and 9,830 kg/ha). Crude protein content at the early planting date was higher than that of the late planting. Acid detergent fiber content of the late planting was lower than that of the early planting date (p<0.01), while there were no significant neutral detergent fiber content difference among the corn tested. Calculated net energy for lactation (NEL) and TDN at the early planting were higher than those of at the late planting (p<0.01). Results of this our study indicate that the late planting date (May) is better than early planting date (April) in forage yield and feed value of corn. Therefore, the delay of planting date by May was more suitable for use in cropping system.

In the current study, lactic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus were used as a mixed additive for the production of Orchardgrass silage by ensiled method and nutritional change fermentation ability and microbial content of experimental silages. The addition of LAB to Orchardgrass during ensiling process rapidly reduced the pH of the silages than the non-inoculated silages. In addition, the lactic and acetic acid content of silage was increased by LAB strains than the non-inoculated silages whereas butyric acid content was reduced in silage treated with LAB. A microbiological study revealed that higher LAB but lower yeast counts were observed in inoculated silages compared to non-inoculated silage. Overall data suggested that the addition of LAB stains could have ability to induce the fermentation process and improve the silage quality via increasing lactic acid and decreasing undesirable microbes.

The present study was aimed to estimate the effect of ensiling period and bacterial inoculants on chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics on rye silage harvested at delayed stage. Rye (Secale cereale L.) was harvested after 20 days of heading stage (29.4% dry matter, DM). The harvested rye forage was applied with different inoculants following: applications of distilled water (CON), Lactobacillus brevis (LBB), Leuconostoc holzapfelii (LCH), or mixture of LBB and LCH at 1:1 ratio (MIX). Each forage was ensiled into 20 L mini bucket silo (5 kg) for 50 (E50D) and 100 (E100D) days in triplicates. The E50D silages had higher in vitro digestibilities of DM (IVDMD, p<0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD, p=0.013), and lactate (p=0.009), and acetate (p=0.011) than those of E100D, but lower pH, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and yeast. By inoculant application, LCH had highest IVDMD and IVNDFD (p<0.05), while MIX had highest lactate and lowest pH (p<0.05). The CON and LCH in E50D had highest LAB and yeast (p<0.05), whereas LBB in E100D had lowest (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that LCH application improved the nutrient digesbility (IVDMD and IVNDFD) of lignified rye silage, and longer ensiling period for 100 days enhanced the fermentation characteristics of silage compared to ensiling for 50 days.

Ensiling is the most preferred technology to preserve the silage quality with high nutrients by the presence of lactic acid bacteria. In this study, lactic acid bacteria RJ1 and S22 were used to make the silages from different leguminous plants such as alfalfa, hairy vetch and red clover. Experimental groups were divided into control and LAB inoculated groups. LAB inoculated group; all legumes treated with a mixture of RJ1 and S22 and made an anaerobic condition for 45d. Without the addition of LAB considered the control group. The results showed that the lactic acid content was higher in all silages in response to LAB treatment and acetic acid content was slightly increased except red clover by LAB compared to control silages. A poor silage quality marker butyric acid was reduced all legume silages in response to LAB inoculation than control silages. The organic acid is closely associated with microbial population experimental silages. We noted that higher LAB and lower yeast were found in the silage in response to LAB treatment. The contents of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) were not altered significantly between control and LAB treated silages. Overall data suggested that the inclusion of additional LAB potentially enhance the silage quality and preserved the nutrients for long period.