1998 Volume 44 Issue 3 Pages 193-197
Primary growth of rhodesgrass (Chloris gayana KUNTH.) was harvested at heading stage and ensiled with or without lactic acid bacteria (1×10^5cfu g^<-1>) and cell wall degrading enzymes (50mg kg^<-1>). The silos were stored at 20, 30 and 40℃ for 45 d and chemical composition, fermentation quality and in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined. Both additives increased lactic acid production and reduced pH value and NH_3-N of the silages. Addition of cell wall degrading enzymes decreased NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose ; the effects were not affected by the storage temperature. No significant difference was found in in vitro dry matter digestibility. The combination of the two additives provided more favorable fermentation than either additive on its own. These results indicate that addition of lactic acid bacteria and cell wall degrading enzymes could promise a better preservation of rhodesgrass silage ; the effects may be additive and would not be altered by the ambient storage temperature.
