Graduation date: 1999

No description available.

Forage shortage may force producers to feed unfermented or partially fermented forages, which are more susceptible to aerobic deterioration. Propionic acid-based additives can be added to ensiled forages to inhibit yeast and mold growth, and improve the aerobic stability of silages. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a propionic acid-based silage additive (Solution Foin) on ensiling characteristics, aerobic stability and feeding value of short-term ensiled corn forage. Chopped whole corn was left untreated or treated with Solution Foin (contains 700 g kg-1 propionic acid and 300 g kg-1 NH4OH). The additive was added to forage prior ensiling at a rate of 5 L ton-1 (wet basis). Treated and untreated forages were placed in six plastic silo bags (three each). Silo bags were opened one day after ensiling and daily samples were collected for 30 consecutive days. Effects on animal performance of feeding treated or untreated forage were determined in a completely randomized design, using 30 lactating cows (178+/-55 days in milk) fed total mixed ration (50:50 forage: concentrate) with the major forage portion consisting of untreated or treated forage. The feeding study started one day post-ensiling. Results showed that Solution Foin reduced (P < 0.05) yeast and mold populations between d 5 and 14 post-ensiling. The highest differences (P < 0.002) were observed on d 10, at which point yeast and mold populations for untreated silage were 7.86 and 2.51 log cfu g-1, respectively. The corresponding values for treated silage were 4.35 and 0.00 log cfu g-1, respectively. Aerobic stability of treated ensiled forage was also improved (P < 0.01) from day 0 (by 159 h) to day 10 (by 33 h) post-ensiling. Solution Foin also increased (P < 0.05) the overall lactic acid and WSC content, and lowered the temperature of the treated ensiled forage in the field. No treatment differences were detected in the forage pH and acetic acid concentration. Dairy cows fed treated forage had similar feed intake (average 23 kg d-1) and milk yield (average 29 kg d-1) to cows fed the untreated forage. It was concluded that Solution Foin can be used to improve the aerobic stability and ensiled forage characteristics of short-term corn forage, likely by reducing yeast and mold populations.

The Livestock production is in many ways a progressive discipline, which is characterized in that it blends several seemingly unrelated industries. One of the most important nutrition and feed livestock. With the development of the cultivation of maize (Zea mays), and the need for its preservation, it was necessary to develop a methodology proper ensiling. This practice establishes the correct principles for the production of high-quality, nutritional value and harmless silage. It already belongs to the selection of the optimal hybrid, suitable agronomic measures during cultivation, build a functional and efficient silage lines, selection and application of additives, proper layering and ramming masses and responsible handling of ready-made food, including a ration.

A metabolism trial and a feedlot finishing trial were conducted with silage made from corn (Zea mays L.) forage grown by conventional and sustainable methods. For the metabolism trial, 24 wether lambs were allotted to four diets: 1) conventional corn silage supplemented with urea, 2) conventional corn silage supplemented with soybean meal (SBM), 3) sustainable corn silage supplemented with urea, and 4) sustainable corn silage supplemented with broiler litter. Apparent DM digestibilities were 65.9, 69.3, 63.8, 66.2%, for the respective diets. Apparent digestibilities of NDF, ADF, and cellulose were lower (P < .05) for the urea-supplemented diets than the SBM and broiler litter supplemented diets. Sheep fed sustainable silage supplemented with broiler litter had the highest (P < .05) fecal N excretion, due to at least partly to the highest (P < .05) N intake. Total N excretion was similar (P > .05) among sheep fed all diets. Sheep fed conventional and sustainable silages supplemented with urea were in negative N balance (-1.04, and -.38, respectively). Sheep fed the conventional silage supplemented with SBM and sustainable silage supplemented with broiler litter had similar (P > .05) positive N retention. Conventional and sustainable silages were fed to feedlot steers and supplemented with either SBM or broiler litter. Conventional steers had a higher (P < .05) live weight (421 kg) upon entering the feedlot than the steers fed the sustainable diet (390 kg). Difference in ADG did not become apparent until the second-to-last 28-d period, at which time the conventional steers had a higher (P < .05) ADG than the steers fed the sustainable diet. Cattle fed the sustainable diet tended to consume more feed (P > .05) and had lower gain/feed (P < .05) than those fed the conventional diet. At slaughter, cattle fed the conventional diet were heavier (P < .05), (596 vs 541kg). Carcass maturity, marbling, backfat, percent kidney, pelvic and heart (KPH) fat, and quality grade were similar (P > .05) for the cattle fed the two diets. Carcass weight, ribeye muscle area, yield grade and dressing percentage were higher for the cattle fed the conventional diet, reflecting higher liveweight than cattle fed the sustainable diet. / Master of Science