| The fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of two local varieties of tropical corn (Mayorbela and Diente de Caballo) ensiled at three stages of maturity (70 days, early dent 80 days, 1/2 milkline and 90 days, 1/4 milkline), and guinea grass ensiled at 30 and 60 days of growth, were evaluated in laboratory silos. The fermentation characteristics of the two corn varieties were similar. Silage from corn ensiled at 90 d of growth had higher pH, cell wall content (neutral detergent fiber), and lactic acid concentration, and lower Total-N content relative to the younger forages. Length of fermentation (30, 60 d) also affected the pH, Total-N, water soluble carbohydrates, and organic acid contents of the resulting corn silage. Guinea grass ensiled at 60 d of growth had greater cell wall content, and lactic and acetic acid concentrations, but lower Total-N content than that ensiled at 30 days. Length of fermentation (30, 60 d) did not affect the ensiling characteristics of guinea grass, regardless of stage of growth. In both forages evaluated, ensiling the vegetative material at younger stages resulted in a more stable silage when exposed to air than the more mature forage. |
