Influence of corn maturity and lactic acid bacteria during ensilage on nutrient conversion in the dairy cow digestive tract

Four ruminally and duodenally fistulated dairy cows were used to examine th e effects of corn silages of different maturity stages (23.0%, 30.5%, 35.9% DM) on rumen fermentation parameters, in sacco nutrient degradability, flo w of crude nutrients to the duodenum and digestibility. The effects of a la ctic acid bacteria inoculation at ensiling of corn were also examined. Neit her maturity nor inoculation have had any significant influence on fermenta tion parameters, degradation of most nutrients and protein synthesis. In sa cco and in vivo degradation of fibre fractions in the rumen decreased with higher maturity, but apart from (neutral detergent fibre) NDF this was comp ensated in the intestine. Starch content of corn silages increased with hig her maturity. The starch by-pass through the rumen was enhanced by up to 27 0 g, daily caused by a higher starch intake and slightly lower ruminal star ch degradation.