Effect of inoculants and storage temperature on the microbial, chemical and mycotoxin composition of corn silage

Objective To evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria and storage temperature on the microbial, chemical and mycotoxin composition of corn silage. Methods Corn was harvested at 32.8% dry matter, and chopped to 1 to 2 cm. The chopped material was subjected to three treatments: i) control (distilled water); ii) 1×106 colony forming units (cfu)/g of Lactobacillus plantarum; iii) 1×106 cfu/g of Pediococcus pentosaceus. Treatments in triplicate were ensiled for 55 d at 20°C, 28°C, and 37°C in 1-L polythene jars following packing to a density of approximately 800 kg/m3 of fresh matter, respectively. At silo opening, microbial populations, fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and mycotoxins of corn silage were determined. Results L. plantarum significantly increased yeast number, water soluble carbohydrates, nitrate and deoxynivalenol content, and significantly decreased the ammonia N value in corn silage compared with the control (p