Untreated and Microbial Inoculated Corn Silage in High Silage Rations for Beef Steers

Results of research reported a year ago (CATTLE 81-3) indicated that corn silage inoculated with a Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product had lower temperatures during the fermentation period than untreated silage. Lactic and volatile fatty acid formation was also higher for the treated silage. Dry matter recovery was only slightly higher for the treated silage. Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and organic matter by beef steers was similar for treated and untreated silage. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of inoculating corn forage of high dry matter content with a Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product. Response to inoculation was compared with untreated silage in terms of feedlot performance of beef steers fed high silage rations. Preservation of silage dry matter and chemical quality were also determined