Short communication: Influence of various proteolytic sources during fermentation of reconstituted corn grain silages

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of corn kernel enzymes, bacteria, fungi, and fermentation end-products (main acids and ethanol) to protein solubilization during fermentation of reconstituted corn grain silage. Flint corn kernels were ground (5-mm sieve), rehydrated to 32% of moisture, and treated with no additives (control), gamma irradiation (32 kGy), gamma irradiation + fermentation end-products (1% of lactic acid, 0.3% of acetic acid, and 0.7% of ethanol, as fed), and natamycin (1% as fed). Treated grains were ensiled in nylon-polyethylene bags and stored for 90 d. Protein solubilization was calculated for each treatment and the contributions of proteolytic sources were determined. Bacterial activity was the main contributor to proteolysis (60%) followed by corn kernel enzymes (30%), whereas fungi and fermentation end-products had only minor contributions (∼5% each).