High-moisture ear corn (HMEC) was untreated, treated with propionic acid (PA) or inoculated with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus faecium, and then ensiled in both tower and laboratory silos. Ensiled HMEC was evaluated for fermentation quality, silage microbiology, and aerobic stability. In control and inoculated ensiled HMEC, maximum pH reduction was observed within 7 d; such pH reduction was observed only after 21 d of ensiling with PA-treated HMEC. Irrespective of treatment, ammonia concentration increased with storage time. The lactic acid content increased up to 42 d of ensilage; between 138 d and 202 d of ensilage, there was a substantial reduction in lactic acid with all treatments. Throughout ensilage, there was no difference in water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content between control and inoculated HMEC. Secondary fermentation was minimized by both inoculation and PA treatment. Regardless of treatment, the population of lactic acid bacteria increased within 7 d of ensilage and reached a maximum at 21 d of ensilage. Populations of yeasts and moulds decreased with fermentation time up to 42 d, then increased as the ensilage progressed. Bacterial inoculation increased aerobic stability of ensiled HMEC. PA was more effective than inoculation in reducing the disappearance of lactic acid and the rise in pH. Irrespective of treatment, the population of yeasts and moulds and other microorganisms increased in aerated HMEC. Both PA treatment and bacterial inoculation reduced aerobic spoilage of ensiled HMEC. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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