Effect of different methods for conserving rice grain on in situ ruminal degradation and in vivo nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in steers

We investigated the effects of different rice conservation techniques on in situ ruminal degradation and in vivo nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in steers. Raw rice grain was dried before crushing (DRY), ensiled after crushing (ENS‐A), or ensiled before crushing (ENS‐B). Six ruminally cannulated steers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments: diets containing DRY, ENS‐A, or ENS‐B at 36% of the dietary dry matter. The in situ rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability were higher for ensiled rice than for DRY, and higher for ENS‐A than for ENS‐B. The ruminal pH was lower and the lactic acid and total volatile acid concentrations were higher for the steers fed ensiled rice than those fed the DRY diet, but a treatment effect was not observed in the comparison between ENS‐A and ENS‐B. The whole‐tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract was improved when the rice grain was ensiled, but there were no differences in nutrient digestibility between ensiling methods. These results show that ensiling treatment can be a strategy to improve the nutrient value of rice grain, but the ensiling method has little impact on in vivo digestion.     

Effect of ensiling persimmon peel and grape pomace as tannin-rich byproduct feeds on their chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ensiling fruit byproducts on their chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation. Persimmon peel (PP), white grape pomace (WGP), and red grape pomace (RGP) were ensiled for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Fresh and ensiled PP, WGP, and RGP were used for in vitro rumen fermentation with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG). The non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content of the byproducts decreased after ensiling, especially for PP. The total tannin content was not changed after ensiling for up to 4 weeks for all byproducts. However, the soluble tannin content in PP decreased but that in grape pomaces was unaffected by ensiling. Gas production, total volatile fatty acid concentration, and methane production by in vitro rumen fermentation for PP and WGP were reduced by ensiling, and increased by adding PEG, except for gas production from the PP silage. These results indicated that changes in the fractions of carbohydrate and tannins during the ensiling process were different between PP and grape pomace. Even though the insolubilization of tannins in PP during ensiling reduced its inhibitory effect on ruminal fermentability, the ensiling PP seemed to remain the ability to mitigate methanogenesis in the rumen.     

Effect of varying fermentation conditions with ensiling period and inoculum on photosynthetic pigments and phytol content in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage

This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ensiling period (Experiment 1) and adding lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Experiment 2) on the changes in carotenoid, chlorophyll, and phytol in ensiled Italian ryegrass (IR, Lolium multiflorum Lam.). In Experiment 1, the IR herbage ensiled into plastic bags was analyzed for the contents of photosynthetic pigments and phytol over a 5‐week period. During the ensiling process, the β‐carotene content decreased (p < .05), whereas the lutein content did not change. Although the chlorophyll content decreased (p < .05) after ensiling, the phytol content barely changed until week 5. In Experiment 2, IR herbage was ensiled without additive, as a Control, or with LAB for 60 days. The pH was lower (p < .05) and lactic acid content was higher (p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. The chlorophyll content in silage was not affected by the LAB; however, the β‐carotene content was higher (p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. Phytol and lutein contents in the herbage did not change after ensiling. These results indicate that phytol and lutein in IR herbage can be preserved well in silage, irrespective of their fermentation condition.     

Effect of ensiling whole crop oat with lucerne in different ratios on fermentation quality,aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility on the Tibetan plateau

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ensiling different ratios of whole crop oat to lucerne on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of silage on the Tibetan plateau. Four experimental treatments were produced varying in the ratio of forages on a fresh matter (FM) basis: 1) 100% oat (control, dry matter (DM) content: 317 g/kg), 2) 90% oat + 10% lucerne (OL10, DM content: 316 g/kg), 3) 80% oat+ 20% lucerne (OL20, DM content: 317 g/kg) and 4) 70% oat+ 30% lucerne (OL30, DM content: 318 g/kg). All treatments were packed into laboratory‐scale silos and ensiled for 60 days and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 15 days. Further, the four experimental treatments were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid to study the nutrient digestibility. All silages were well preserved with low pH and NH₃‐N contents, and high lactic acid contents and V‐scores (evaluation of silage quality). Increasing the lucerne proportion increased (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) content of silage, whereas neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibre contents were not affected. Under aerobic conditions, the control silage showed higher (p < 0.05) yeast counts (>10⁵ cfu/g FM) followed by OL10 silage, and OL10 silage improved aerobic stability for 74 h. OL20 and OL30 silages showed fewer (p < 0.05) yeasts (<10⁵ cfu/g FM) and markedly (p < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability (>360 h). After 48‐h incubation, OL30 silage increased (p < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (IVNDFD) compared with the control silage. These results suggest that replacing oat with lucerne had no unfavourable effects on fermentation quality of silage, but improved CP content, aerobic stability IVDMD and IVNDFD. OL30 silage was the best among the three mixed silages.     

青藏高原耐低温乳酸菌在垂穗披碱草青贮中的应用

为探讨一株低温发酵戊糖片球菌Q6在不同温度条件下对垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans)青贮饲料发酵品质的影响。本研究设置了对照组(清水,CK)、耐低温戊糖片球菌Q6及商品化的戊糖片球菌(APP)3个处理,分别在10、15、25℃温度下进行垂穗披碱草青贮,在青贮发酵30、60、90d后取样测定其发酵品质和化学成分。结果表明,添加耐低温戊糖片球菌Q6在15℃下青贮60d时,青贮饲料发酵品质明显优于CK组和APP处理组,有效降低了青贮料的pH,增加了乳酸含量,并保存更多的干物质。同时,添加菌株Q6不仅提高了青贮饲料中乳酸菌数量而且抑制了酵母和霉菌生长。因此,戊糖片球菌Q6是一株适宜于青藏高原牧草低温青贮的优良乳酸菌。     

Changes of fumonisin production in rice grain during ensiling

We assessed fumonisin production during the ensiling of rice grain. Rice grain was harvested at the full‐ripe stage and prepared as rough rice, crushed rough rice, brown rice or crushed brown rice. Each material was ensiled under six conditions: (1) no fungus, anaerobic; (2) no fungus, aerobic; (3) water added, anaerobic; (4) water and fumonisin‐producing fungus added, anaerobic; (5) water and fumonisin‐producing fungus added, aerobic; or (6) fumonisin‐producing fungus added to autoclaved material, aerobic. After 40 days of ensilage, we analyzed the silage fermentative quality and fumonisin concentration. The fermentative quality of all materials was good in treatments (3) and (4) (pH < 4), reasonable in treatment (5) (pH = 5～6) and unacceptable in treatments (1) and (2) (pH > 6.5). The fumonisin concentration was low in all materials in treatments (1) to (4), slightly increased in the three materials other than rough rice in treatment (5), and enormously increased in all materials in treatment (6). The results indicate that the fumonisin‐producing fungus does not produce fumonisin in anaerobic conditions. It is important that an anaerobic condition be maintained during ensiling in order to reduce the fumonisin content in rice grain silage.     

晾晒、添加物及不同温度对象草青贮发酵品质和微生物的影响

华南地区气候潮湿多雨,象草收获时水分含量高,单独青贮发酵品质较差。通过晾晒（水分含量由83.19%降至75.11%）、添加10%玉米粉或2%蔗糖,探究象草在不同温度（20、30和40 ℃）下青贮的发酵特性和微生物组成。研究结果表明：温度对象草各处理的青贮饲料的发酵品质有显著影响。晾晒后原材料的水溶性碳水化合物含量显著降低,青贮后发酵品质变差,尤其在30 ℃,pH达到5.85,乳酸含量只有1.56% DM,乙酸含量为2.10% DM,NH₃-N含量高达25.09% TN。对照和添加物处理的青贮饲料均随青贮温度升高,乙酸含量增加。晾晒后在20和30 ℃时青贮,产气量显著高于40 ℃或未晾晒处理。此外,象草青贮前的细菌多样性较丰富,青贮后主要是肠杆菌属和乳球菌属,尤其是20 ℃青贮的相对丰度较高,且晾晒处理在20和30 ℃青贮肠球菌属的相对丰度高于40 ℃。因此,在华南地区,象草原料中添加玉米粉或蔗糖可以降低环境温度对象草青贮发酵品质的不良影响,阴湿条件下晾晒未发挥积极效果。     

Chemical composition of alfalfa silage with waste date and its feeding effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled alfalfa with waste date on ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population and blood parameters in sheep. Eight rams were used in a 2 × 2 change over design. Each experimental period consisted of 21 days including 16 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling. For ensiling, fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different levels of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were mixed together and ensiled in 100‐l containers for 45 days. Chemical composition of silages such as dry matter (DM), crude protein, NH₃‐N, organic matter, NDF, ADF and pH were determined. Then, it was used as 30% (DM basis) in diets. The experimental diets were as follows: (i) control (diet containing alfalfa silage without waste date), (ii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 5 g waste date/95 g DM, (iii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 10 g waste date/90 g DM, and (iv) diet containing alfalfa silage with 15 g waste date/85 g DM. The results of this experiment showed that adding waste date to alfalfa during ensiling, improved silage quality, DM and energy level. Total protozoa population and all of holotrich, cellulolytic and entodinia in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of waste date. Nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and nitrogen retention were affected by dietary treatments. Also, allantoin, uric acid, total purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, cholesterol level and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different. In conclusion, direct ensilage of alfalfa can be attained by mixing 15 g waste date/85 g DM and positive associative effects such as increased metabolizable energy (ME) and silage quality occurred.     

The effect of maize silage type on the performances and methane emission of dairy cattle

To examine whether type of maize silage is important for milk production performances, maize silage LG30224 (LG) was compared with Falkone (FA), the latter having a 4.0% points lower rumen NDF digestibility and 19 g/kg dry matter (DM) more starch. To bridge the lower energy content of FA, a third treatment was involved by adding maize meal (MM) in a ratio of 92/8 on DM (FA+MM). Maize and grass silage were fed ad libitum in a ratio of 65/35 on DM basis. Concentrates were supplemented individually to meet energy and protein requirements. The experiment was set up as a Latin square with three groups of nine Holstein cows during three periods of 3 weeks. In the last 2 weeks of each period, DM intake (DMI) and milk performances were measured. Each group included one cannulated cow to study effects on rumen fermentation. During the last 4 days of each period, two cows from each group were placed in gas exchange chambers to measure nutrient digestibility and methane production. Total DMI was higher (p < 0.05) for FA+MM (20.8 kg/day) than for FA (20.3 kg/day), while DMI for LG was intermediate (20.6 kg/day). Treatment did not affect milk production nor composition, whereas fat–protein‐corrected milk was higher for LG (30.5 kg/day) and FA+MM (30.3 kg/day) than for FA (29.9 kg/day). The ration did not affect pH nor volatile fatty acid composition in the rumen. Further, total tract digestibility of OM, crude protein, NDF and starch did not differ among treatments. The ration with LG gave higher methane production per day and per kg NDF intake than both rations with FA, but the difference was not significant when expressed per kg DMI or FPCM. Thus, maize silage type is of little importance for milk production if energy and physical structure requirements are met.     

晾晒时间和青贮时间对青贮玉米发酵品质的影响

目的 探究不同晾晒时间和青贮时间对全株青贮玉米发酵品质的影响。方法 以玉米（Zea mays L.）青贮品种“曲辰9号”为试验材料,将乳熟末期的青贮玉米全株收获粉碎后,在阴凉处分别晾晒0（对照,CK）、1、2、3、4 d,然后在塑料桶（5 L）中分别进行青贮,待青贮60、90、120 d时进行发酵品质的评定。结果 青贮玉米的含水量随着晾晒时间的增加而降低,在晾晒2、3、4 d后含水量显著（P<0.05）低于CK;用晾晒2、3、4 d的全株青贮玉米原料进行青贮,pH值显著（P<0.05）高于CK,晾晒2 d青贮120 d处理除外。晾晒时间对乳酸、丁酸、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）和酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）含量均产生显著（P<0.05）影响,青贮时间仅对乳酸、丁酸产生显著（P<0.05）影响,其中,乳酸含量随着青贮时间的延长而增加,丁酸含量在原料晾晒之后明显增加。CK处理中,青贮90、120 d的NDF含量显著（P<0.05）高于青贮60 d处理。利用氨态氮、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸开展V-Score分析,晾晒导致青贮玉米发酵品质降低,试验中品质较优的青贮为原料粉碎后未经晾晒的处理（CK）。结论 在未经晾晒处理下进行青贮60 d的青贮玉米,综合品质较高。在青贮玉米原料含水量为74%时,不建议粉碎之后通过晾晒降低含水量再青贮。     

Ensiling of total mixed ration containing persimmon peel: Evaluation of chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation profiles

The effects of inclusion of persimmon peel (PP) in total mixed ration (TMR) silage on its nutrient composition, tannin content, and in vitro ruminal fermentation were studied. Four types of TMR silages containing 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg of PP on a dry matter basis were prepared. The dietary contents of non‐fiber carbohydrate (NFC) decreased, while soluble protein fraction increased after ensiling of the TMR. In the TMR silages, the content of insoluble tannin increased (p < .05) with increasing PP level. The fraction of soluble protein decreased linearly (p < .01), while that of neutral detergent insoluble protein increased linearly (p < .01) with increasing the PP level in the TMR silages. The total gas and methane yields from the in vitro rumen fermentation of the TMR silages were lower (p < .01) than those of pre‐ensiled TMR and declined linearly (p < .01) with increasing PP level. These results indicate that adding PP to TMR silage may resist the breakdown of dietary protein during the ensiling process, although the ruminal fermentability of TMR possibly decreased after ensiling due to the loss of NFC.     

Silage quality as influenced by concentration and type of tannins present in the material ensiled: A meta‐analysis

Protein degradation during ensiling is a major problem. Tannins are known to prevent or decelerate protein degradation in the rumen and may be able to do so in silages as well. Therefore, the present evaluation aimed to analyse the influence of tannins on silage quality. This was done by integrating from all suitable experiments found in literature on the topic in a meta‐analysis approach. A total of 122 datasets originating from 28 experiments obtained from 16 published articles and one own unpublished experiment were included in the database. Tannins in the silages originated either from the plants ensiled or from supplementations of tanniferous plants or tannins extracted from such plants. Tannin concentrations ranged from 0 to 57.8 g/kg dry matter, and the ensiling period varied from 30 to 130 days. The analysis was based on the linear mixed model methodology in which the different studies were considered as random effects and tannin‐related properties (either concentration or type of tannins) were treated as fixed effects. Results revealed that greater concentrations of tannins were associated with a decrease of butyrate concentration in the silages (p < 0.05). An increasing tannin concentration was also accompanied with smaller proportions of soluble N, free amino acid N, non‐protein nitrogen and NH₃‐N in total silage N (p < 0.05). The relationships between hydrolysable and condensed tannins and the decline in butyrate and NH₃‐N concentrations in the silages were of different magnitude (p < 0.05). A higher tannin concentration was associated with a decline in in vitro dry matter digestibility. It was concluded that tannins apparently have the ability to limit extensive proteolysis which may occur during ensiling and thus may improve the fermentative quality of silages. A desired side effect seems to be given by the tannins' apparent property to limit the activity of the butyrate‐producing microbes.     

Effect of grape pomace on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grape pomace (GP) with different adding levels (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, fresh matter basis), alone (GP‐LAB) or in combine with an inoculant LAB (GP+LAB), on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage. After 90 days of ensiling in vacuumized mini‐silos, silages were subject to a 7‐day aerobic stability test, in which chemical, microbial and polyphenol composition were measured. In the GP‐LAB group, adding GP decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and butyric acid in silage. In the GP+LAB group, adding GP increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of lactic acid, WSC and crude protein, decreased (P < 0.05) final pH value, NH₃‐N ratio and butyric acid concentration in silage. Polyphenol level was reduced (P < 0.05) after silage fermentation. During aerobic exposure, the fungi count, pH value and silage temperature increased (P < 0.05), the levels of lactic acid, acetic acid and polyphenols (quercetin 3‐O‐glucoside and quercetin 3‐O‐glucuronid) decreased (P < 0.05) in silage. GP+LAB treated silage had a lag phase for aerobic spoilage. When the fermentation products, microbial counts, chemical and polyphenol composition were considered, the use of 10% GP+LAB at ensiling could provide a valuable source for improved fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage.     

瘤胃纤维素降解菌系对灭菌水稻秸秆结构性碳水化合物降解的影响

为了提高水稻秸秆的青贮发酵品质,本研究旨在从黑白花奶牛瘤胃中筛选出具有降解纤维素能力的兼性厌氧复合菌系,探讨其对水稻秸秆青贮过程中结构性碳水化合物降解及发酵品质的影响。试验采集了黑白花奶牛瘤胃内容物,经富集培养、刚果红染色初筛,耐酸诱导,滤纸降解复筛,酶活力测定,获得高效兼性厌氧纤维素降解复合菌系M6。试验设4个处理组：1）水稻秸秆直接自然青贮（CK）组;2）灭菌后水稻秸秆青贮（IRR）组;3）灭菌水稻秸秆接种复合乳酸菌（CLAB）青贮组;4）灭菌水稻秸秆接种复合菌系（M6）青贮组,分别于青贮3、6、15、45、60和90 d后开窖取样分析。结果表明,青贮3 d后,M6处理组pH始终低于其他各组,青贮第60天达到最低值（4.62）。青贮45 d后,M6处理组乳酸含量始终显著高于其他各组（P<0.05）,且在青贮90 d达到最高值（23.90 g·kg^-1 DM）。青贮15 d后,中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维和纤维素含量在M6组均显著低于其他各组（P<0.05）,且在第90天达到最低值。青贮60 d后,IRR和M6组保持较高水平的水溶性碳水化合物含量,其次为CLAB组。综上所述,复合菌系M6在水稻秸秆青贮过程中具有降解粗纤维和促进乳酸发酵的作用,添加纤维素降解复合菌系可有效改善水稻秸秆青贮发酵品质,为青贮添加剂的研发与应用提供了理论依据。     

A third-generation esterase inoculant alters fermentation pattern and improves aerobic stability of barley silage and the efficiency of body weight gain of growing feedlot cattle

This study investigated the effects of a mixed bacterial inoculant possessing ferulic acid esterase (FAE) activity on silage fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and growth performance of growing feedlot steers. Whole-crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) forage (35% DM) was chopped and ensiled without a silage inoculant (UN) or with a mixed bacterial culture containing 1.0 × 10(11) cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri LN4017 that produces FAE, 2.0 × 10(10) cfu/g of Lactobacillus plantarum LP7109, and 1.0 × 10(10) cfu/g of Lactobacillus casei LC3200 at a combined rate of 1.3 × 10(5) cfu/g of fresh forage (IN) in mini and Ag-Bag (Ag-Bag Int. Ltd., Warrenton, OR) silos. Silages from the mini silos were assessed for the effect of inoculation on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability, whereas silages from Ag-Bags were used to formulate 2 barley silage-based total mixed rations (UN and IN) that were fed to growing feedlot steers for 112 d. The IN silage exhibited a homolactic fermentation during the first 7 d of ensiling as reflected by an increased (P ≤ 0.02) lactic acid concentration and an accelerated rate (P < 0.01) of pH decline. Thereafter, fermentation of IN silage became more heterolactic, resulting in greater concentrations of acetic acid (P < 0.01) and pH (P < 0.01) but less (P < 0.01) lactic acid than UN silage. Inoculation did not affect DM losses (P = 0.52) from mini silos. The IN silage remained stable during 21 d, but temperature and yeasts counts in the UN silage increased after 5 d of aerobic exposure. Growing steers fed the IN silage diet had superior (P = 0.03) feed conversion efficiency compared with those fed UN silage. Inoculation of whole-crop barley silage with a mixed culture of homolactic lactic acid-producing bacteria and FAE-producing L. buchneri at ensiling changed fermentation from a homolactic to a heterolactic form during ensiling and improved aerobic stability of the silage and efficiency of BW gain of growing feedlot steers.     

In vitro gas and methane production in rumen fluid from dairy cows fed grass silages differing in plant maturity,compared to in vivo data

The relationship between in vitro rumen CH₄ production of grass silages, using the gas production technique, and in vivo data obtained with the same cows and rations in respiration chambers was investigated. Silages were made from grass harvested in 2013 on May 6th, May 25th, July 1st and July 8th. The grass silages were used to formulate four different rations which were fed to 24 cows in early and late lactation, resulting in a slightly different dry matter intake (DMI; 16.5 kg/day vs. 15.4 kg/day). The experimental rations consisted of 70% grass silage, 10% maize silage, and 20% concentrates on a dry matter basis. Cows were adapted to the rations for 17 days before rumen fluid was collected via oesophageal tubing, and in vitro gas and CH₄ production were analysed. In vitro total gas and CH₄ production of the (ensiled) grass expressed as ml/g OM decreased with advancing maturity of the grass. The in vitro CH₄ production after 48 hr of incubation expressed in ml/g OM did not correlate with the in vivo CH₄ production expressed in g/kg organic matter intake or g/kg DMI (R² = .00–.18, p ≥ .287). The differences in CH₄ emission per unit of intake observed in vivo were rather small between the different rations, which also contributed to the observed poor relationship. Utilizing stepwise multiple regression improved the correlation only slightly. In vitro gas and CH₄ production varied based on whether donor cows were previously adapted to the respective ration or not, suggesting that careful adaption to the experimental diet should be envisaged in in vitro gas and CH₄ production experiments.     

Changes in the bacterial community and composition of fermentation products during ensiling of wilted Italian ryegrass and wilted guinea grass silages

To gain further insights into temperate and tropical grass ensiling, fermentation products and bacterial communities were examined at both the initial and late stages of ensiling of wilted Italian ryegrass and wilted guinea grass silages. 2,3‐Butanediol and ethanol fermentation were observed in wilted Italian ryegrass silage. Enterobacteria such as Rahnella sp. and Enterobacter sp. may have been involved in fermentation; however, alcohol production was intensified after the silage enterobacterial community overwhelmed the pre‐ensiled enterobacterial community. Pediococcus spp. appeared in silage stored for 4 months, when a significant increase in lactic acid content was seen compared with that at 2 months. Prolonged storage enhanced acetic acid fermentation in wilted guinea grass silage. The disappearance of Enterococcus sulfureus and appearance of Lactobacillus plantarum may have been associated with the increased acetic acid content. Although many species of enterobacteria were found in common between the pre‐ensiled crop and silages of Italian ryegrass and guinea grass, marked differences were seen in the type of fermentation from the initial stages. These results indicate that the bacterial community of pre‐ensiled crops may be immediately replaced by one that is adapted to ensiling environments, although metabolic changes may continue over the course of ensiling.     

Comparison of fractionation methods for nitrogen and starch in maize and grass silages

In in situ nylon bag technique, many feed evaluation systems use a washing machine method (WMM) to determine the washout (W) fraction and to wash the rumen incubated nylon bags. As this method has some disadvantages, an alternate modified method (MM) was recently introduced. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the W and non‐washout (D+U) fractions of nitrogen (N) and/or starch of maize and grass silages, using the WMM and the MM. Ninety‐nine maize silage and 99 grass silage samples were selected with a broad range in chemical composition. The results showed a large range in the W, soluble (S) and D+U fractions of N of maize and grass silages and the W, insoluble washout (W‐S) and D+U fractions of starch of maize silages, determined by both methods, due to variation in their chemical composition. The values for N fractions of maize and grass silages obtained with both methods were found different (p < 0.001). Large differences (p < 0.001) were found in the D+U fraction of starch of maize silages which might be due to different methodological approaches, such as different rinsing procedures (washing vs. shaking), duration of rinsing (40 min vs. 60 min) and different solvents (water vs. buffer solution). The large differences (p < 0.001) in the W‐S and D+U fractions of starch determined with both methods can led to different predicted values for the effective rumen starch degradability. In conclusion, the MM with one recommended shaking procedure, performed under identical and controlled experimental conditions, can give more reliable results compared to the WMM, using different washing programs and procedures.     

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and harvesting stage on photosynthetic pigments and phytol contents of Italian ryegrass silage

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and harvesting stage on the contents of chlorophyll, phytol and carotenoids (β‐carotene and lutein) in Italian ryegrass herbage before and after ensiling, and the extent of phytol preservation after ensiling. Three rates of N fertilizer (0, 60 and 120 kg N/ha) were applied by top‐dressing as an additional fertilizer. The herbage harvested at booting stage (27 weeks of age) or heading stage (29 weeks of age) were wilted for 1 day, then ensiled for 60 days using a small‐scale pouch system. In the pre‐ensiled herbages, increasing N fertilizer application increased the contents of crude protein and photosynthetic pigments, and these contents were also higher at the booting stage compared with the heading stage. In the silage, increasing N fertilizer application also increased the contents of crude protein, the photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives (pheophytin and pheophorbide), while harvesting stage did not affect the contents of β‐carotene, chlorophylls or pheophorbide. Nitrogen fertilizer application and early harvesting of herbage increased lutein and phytol contents in Italian ryegrass silage. Lutein and phytol in Italian ryegrass herbage are indicated to be well preserved during ensiling.     

复合乳酸菌对全株玉米青贮及有氧暴露后微生物及饲料品质的影响

为探讨不同复合乳酸菌对全株玉米青贮及有氧暴露后青贮饲料中微生物数量及其发酵品质的影响,进一步筛选出可提高青贮饲料品质和有氧稳定性的复合乳酸菌接种剂,共设置3个不同组合乳酸菌分别添加全株玉米进行青贮,并设空白对照,测定青贮3、7、15和30 d,开袋有氧暴露1、3、7、15和30 d时微生物数量、发酵品质和营养成分的变化情况。结果表明,分别添加异型乳酸菌组合(Hetero)、同型乳酸菌组合(Homo)和同型+异型乳酸菌组合(Homo+Hetero)的各处理组均能有效地增加青贮过程和有氧暴露后饲料中乳酸菌的数量、乳酸(LA)和乙酸(AA)的含量,减少好氧细菌、酵母菌和霉菌数量,降低pH和氨态氮(NH₃-N)含量,减少粗蛋白(CP)损失,显著改善青贮饲料发酵品质,抑制青贮饲料有氧暴露后的二次发酵,其中Homo+Hetero效果最好,Homo处理组好于Hetero处理组。