The effect of inoculation with <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> and addition of glucose at ensiling on the quality of aerated silages

Abstract

Abstract In laboratory silos, into which air was introduced during the first 4 days, the changes during ensilage were examined using the following treatments: A, control; B, glucose addition; and C, glucose addition + L. plantarum inoculation. In four separate experiments using Italian ryegrass or cocksfoot, treatment A gave very poor quality of silages without exception, producing large amounts of higher VFA and no or little lactic acid. Treatment C gave excellent or satisfactory results producing large amounts of lactic acid or no VFA other than acetic acid, while the results of treatment B were variable. Changes in pH values and VBN levels also confirmed the improving effect of the combination of glucose addition and L. plantarum inoculation to the aerated silage.