Effect of hexanoic acid, <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> and their combination on the aerobic stability of napier grass silage
Wazha Mugabe, Tao Shao, Junfeng Li, Zhihao Dong, Xianjun Yuan
Abstract
AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of hexanoic acid (Hex) as a silage additive. METHODS AND RESULTS: CFU per g FW. During aerobic exposure, the pH in the Lp and C silages increased (P < 0·05) above 7·0 on day 5. The pH of Hex silage was the lowest among all silages on day 3 and 5, followed by a significant (P < 0·05) increase until 7 days of aerobic exposure. There were no significant changes in pH and AA of Hex + Lp silage over the duration of aerobic exposure. The concentrations of LA in C, Lp and Hex silages decreased while that of Hex + Lp silage remained stable after 3 days of aerobic exposure. The Hex delayed the decline of WSC contents and the increase in yeasts over the aerobic exposure period. CONCLUSION: Addition of Hex (97 h) and Hex + Lp (>168 h) improved aerobic stability (P < 0·05) as compared to the control (83 h). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Hex or in combination with L. plantarum inhibited the proliferation of yeasts during aerobic exposure of napier grass. Thus, Hex is an alternative antifungal additive to improve aerobic stability.