CONCLUSIONS
In laboratory silos, all rates of application of L. buchneri
40788 (1 × 105 to 1 × 106 cfu/g) increased the number
of hours that a TMR remained stable when exposed to
air, but the highest dose was most effective. Addition of0.2% (wt/wt) of a buffered propionic acid-based additive
to barley forage also improved the aerobic stability of a
TMR to an extent similar to that found with the low and
moderate dose of L. buchneri 40788, but it was not as
effective as the highest dose of L. buchneri 40788. The
addition of a commercial inoculant to barley silage in
laboratory silos did not affect the aerobic stability of a
TMR containing that silage. Under farm conditions, a
moderate dose (4 × 105) of L. buchneri 40788 also improved
the aerobic stability of barley silage alone and of
a TMR comprised of the treated silage. Feeding cows a
TMR containing silage treated with L. buchneri 40788
had no adverse effects on DM intake or milk production.
These results show that treating barley silage with L.
buchneri 40788 can improve the aerobic stability of barley
silage alone or when combined in a TMR via production
of moderate amounts of acetic acid in laboratory and
field conditions.