Evaluation of inoculant and NPN silage additives: a summary of 26 trials and 65 farm-scale silages (1992)

Abstract

Results from 26 trials comparing fermen- tation, dry matter (DM) recovery, and effects on cattle performance of inoculated or non- protein nitrogen (NPN)-treated silages vs. controls were summarized using paired t-test analysis. Inoculants consistently improved fermentation efficiency, DM recovery, feed conversion, and gain per ton of crop ensiled in both corn and forage sorghum silages. The use of NPN, particularly urea or anhydrous ammonia, adversely affected fermentation effi- ciency, DM recovery, avg daily gain, and gain per ton of crop ensiled, particularly for the higher moisture forage sorghums. (Key