Microbial Inoculation of Low Moisture Alfalfa Silage

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Abstract
Alfalfa was field wilted to 53 or 57% dry matter in each of 2 yr, treated with microbial inocula, ensiled, and allowed to ferment. In both years, treated silages had lower pH and residual water-soluble carbohydrates and greater lactic acid content than untreated silages. Silage was fed to lactating dairy cows as 60% of the ration DM for 10 wk. In Experiment 1, cows (average 67 d postpartum)fed third cutting alfalfa silage treated with inocula produced significantly more milk than control cows. Total DM intake did not differ among treatments. Treatments were the same in the 2nd yr but alfalfa was second cutting and cows averaged 99 d postpartum in Experiment 2. No differences were detected among treatments for milk production, milk composition, or feed intake. Dry matter recovery from all the silos was not different in yr 1 but was greater for inoculated silages in yr 2. Silage quality was better for inoculated silages in both years than for control silage.