Fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria and molasses addition on the fermentation characteristics and nutrient compositions of sorghum silage

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) and molasses addition on the fermentation characteristics and nutrient compositions of sorghum silage. Sorghums were chopped into pieces of 1-2 cm length and molasses 5% (w/w) and FJLB 1% (v/w) of fresh material were added as silage additives. No significant effects on physical characteristics except pH, lowest in molasses silage, were noted. The higher organic matter and lower fibre contents were observed in molasses silage. Total carbohydrate, non fibre carbohydrate, total digestible nutrients, digestible dry matter and dry matter intake were highest in molasses silage. The higher acetic, propionic and lactic acid concentrations were observed in FJLB silage. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was highest in FJLB silage, and lowest in control silage. The low volatile based nitrogen (VBN) and high V-score, indicators of good quality silages, were generally observed in molasses and FJLB rather than control silages. This experiment indicated that FJLB can be alternatively used as additive instead of using molasses in sorghum silage; however more inclusion level of molasses and FJLB should be used to ensure good quality silage.