Influence of Ammonia Treatment and Time of Ensiling on Proteolysis in Corn Silage

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Abstract
Chopped whole corn (32-34% dry matter) was treated with 0, 0.25, 0.52 or 1.08% added N as NH3 (of silage dry matter). About 3 kg of material was placed in polyethylene bags, which then were evacuated and served as experimental silos. Triplicate bags were opended at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 54 days after ensiling and analyzed for dry matter, pH, lactic acid, total and insoluble n and free amino acids in the water phase. Added NH3 increased initial pH of silages. Lactic acid production during early ensiling was delayed by high NH3, but intermediate NH3 (0.52%) resulted in highest lactate. NH3 decreased proteolysis and deamination of amino acids. Increses in alanine were large in the water phase silage treated with highest NH3. These were increases not from proteolytic effects but synthesis of alanine stimulated by high NH3.