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Control of Fermentation in High-Moisture Baled Alfalfa by Inoculation with Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria: I. Large Round Bales¹

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908^,4

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of DM at baling and of a lactic acid-producing bacterial inoculant on harvest and storage losses and forage quality of large round bales of alfalfa hay. Second-cutting alfalfa was baled (618 kg DM/bale) according to a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Main effects were level of silage inoculant (0 or .1%, wet weight) and DM content of alfalfa (64.3, 73.4 or 84.7%). Alfalfa DM yield and leaf loss at harvest were not affected (P > .1) by treatment and averaged 2,672 kg/ha and 4.4%, respectively. Recovery of DM and NDF after 39 d of storage increased linearly (P < .05) with increasing alfalfa DM at baling. Inoculant increased recovery of NDF (P < .05) and ADF (P < .1). Alfalfa DM x inoculant interactions were detected for recovery of CP and in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD; P < .1). Alfalfa DM x inoculant x day interactions (P < .05) were detected for bale content of NDF, ADF, ADL and IVDMD. Treatment did not affect (P > .1) alfalfa DM intake by lambs. Alfalfa DM x inoculant interactions were detected (P < .01) for digestibility of alfalfa DM and N due to large increases in digestibility of 73.4% DM alfalfa when inoculated. Heat-induced compositional changes (increased ADL and decreased IVDMD) occurred to alfalfa hay baled at 64.3% DM. Inoculation with lactic acid-producing bacteria appeared to aid in preservation of alfalfa at 73.4% DM but provided no significant benefit with 64.3 or 84.7% DM alfalfa.

¹ Published as Paper No. 8633, Journal Series, Nebraska Agric. Res. Div.

² Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., Washington State Univ., Pullman 99164-6320.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

⁴ Partial funding provided by Pioneer Hibreds, Johnston, LA. The use of trade names does not imply endorsement by the Nebraska Agric. Res. Div. of the product name or criticism of similar products not mentioned.