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An enzyme additive for corn silage: effects on silage composition and animal performance
1Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Animal Science and Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark 19717, USA.
Journal of Dairy Science
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Enzyme treatment of corn silage minimally affected fermentation but reduced fiber content and improved nitrogen retention in lambs. However, it did not impact dairy cow performance or feed efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Chemistry
Background:
- Enzyme additives are used to improve silage quality and animal nutrition.
- Corn silage is a key feedstuff for ruminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of enzyme treatment (cellulase and hemicellulase) on corn silage characteristics and animal performance.
- To assess the impact of enzyme treatment on nutrient digestibility, fermentation, and animal production in lambs and dairy cows.
Main Methods:
- Whole-plant corn was harvested and treated with enzymes before ensiling in bag or mini silos.
- In vitro digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient balance in lambs were assessed.
- Dairy cows were fed diets containing treated or untreated corn silage.
Main Results:
- Enzyme treatment reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content and improved in vitro NDF digestibility in mini silos.
- Ruminal acetate to propionate ratio decreased with treated silage in continuous cultures.
- Lambs fed treated silage showed greater nitrogen retention, but nutrient digestion was unaffected.
- Dairy cow dry matter intake, milk production, and milk composition were not influenced by enzyme treatment.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme treatment had minimal effects on silage fermentation and inconsistent effects on fibrous components.
- While enzyme treatment improved nitrogen retention in lambs, it did not enhance dairy cow production or feed efficiency.