Improving Silage Preservation and Stability with an Ammonia-Molasses-Mineral Solution

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Abstract
Effects of ammonia-molasses-mineral solution on the preservation and stability of chopped whole corn plant (32% dry matter) when ensiled, then removed from the silo and exposed to air in feeding-sized portions were studied. In the 1st trial, 20 cotton bags containing 1 kg each of fresh, treated or control forage were placed in each of 2 silos per treatment at 4 layers (elevations). Loss of dry matter for control silage (8.5%) was more than for treated silage (5.7%). The top and bottom layers lost more dry matter than the internal two layers (9.0% vs. 5.2%). Loss of crude protein and dry matter was less for the treated silage at the lower layers, but similar to controls at the top level. In the 2nd trial 15 portions of each silage were exposed to air for 24, 48 and 167 h. Temperature of silage during exposure increased the fastest and reached a higher maximum in the untreated silage. Mean loss of dry matter was more for the control silage (10.1 vs. 6.2%). Crude protein loss was small for both treatments. Control silage pH increased markedly in the first 24 h while pH of treated silage remained more nearly constant during this time. Lactic acid and titratable acidity were more for the treated silage. Both declined with time following exposure to air; the silage treatment reduced the rate of decline.