Added Ammonia or Microbial Inocula for Fermentation and Nitrogenous Compounds of Alfalfa Ensiled at Various Percents of Dry Matter

Abstract

Laboratory bag silos were used to assess additions of microbial inocula and ammonia on fermentation of alfalfa silage. In Experiment 1, 500 and 1000 g microbial inocula per 1000 kg and .7 to 1.2% ammonia added to alfalfa forage increased lactic acid. Water soluble carbohydrates and pH were lower for treated than for control silages 50 days after ensiling. In Experiment 2, microbial inocula and ammonia were added to alfalfa wilted to 30, 40, 50, and 60% dry matter and allowed to ensile for 0, 3, 7, and 21 days. Addition of ammonia increased lactic acid at all dry matters and inhibited proteolysis as indicated by increased insoluble nitrogen and decreased free amino acids. Microbial inocula also increased lactic acid at all dry matters, but final pH of inocula-treated silage was lower than the control only at 50 and 60% dry matter. © 1984, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.