EFFECT OF MICROBIAL INOCULANTS ON THE NUTRITIVE-VALUE OF CORN-SILAGE FOR LACTATING DAIRY-COWS

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial ino culation on the composition and nutritive value of corn silage for lac tating cows. In Experiment 1, forage was untreated or treated at ensil ing with Pioneer (R) 1174 or Ecosyl (R) silage inoculants. Forage was offered for free choice consumption, and concentrate was fed by a comp uterized feeder. Treatment with 1174 inoculant had little effect on si lage composition and no effect on cow performance. Silage treated with Ecosyl (R) inoculant had greater lactic acid content, but also greate r acetic acid and ammonia N contents. Production of 3.5% FCM was great est from cows fed silage treated with Ecosyl (R). In Experiment 2, sil age was untreated or treated with Ecosyl (R) and fed in a TMR. Inocula tion had no effect on silage composition but increased 3.5% FCM produc tion and DMI as length of time on treatment increased. Microbial inocu lation can improve the nutritive value of corn silage for lactating co ws even if changes in fermentation end products are minimal.