Effects of inoculantes use in forage silages on protein and fiber levels, nutrients digestibility, pH, fermentation and aerobic stability

Abstract

Forage silage is the main form of voluminous food storage in the world. The ensiling makes possible the palatable food supply during the whole year, mainly in the drought period. During the ensiling process, the green forage inside of the silo suffers many transformations until the complete stabilization of the mass, acquiring the silage characteristics. With the objective of improving the fermentation process, some farmers have been using inoculants. However, the use of these inoculants, without evaluation of silage nutritional quality can increase the material cost. Besides, a big importance has been spared to the silage preservation process and your aerobics stability, mainly during the period of your use. Several works showing controversial results were found, in the literature, although some researches have shown beneficial effects of inoculants use on silage preservation and quality. It can be concluded that the inoculants use should not be considered as substitute of ensiling appropriate handling, such as: crop, compactation, storage and closure. In silages appropriately prepared, the inoculants use presents little or any benefit on silage preservation and quality.