THE EFFECTS OF MOLDY AND DECOMPOSED CORN- SILAGE ON RUMEN

The effects of mouldy and decomposed corn silage on rumen fermentation patterns in cattle were investigated in vitro using the rumen simulat ion technique RUSITEC, The test periods were 6 days for mouldy silage and 3 days for decomposed silage. Fermentation of carbohydrates was ge nerally inhibited by the mouldy silage and notably by decomposed mater ial. A selective reduction of the cellulolytic and methanogenic activi ties was also observed The detailed changes observed comprised: a decr ease in production of the volatile fatty acids from 25% to 50%; a redu ction in gas production from 22% to 51% and a decrease of the methane component of gas production from 22% to 71%. Normal fermentation resum ed within 6 days following the replacement of the spoilt silage.