ABSTRACT
Objective
Propionic-acid-based products are used commonly for storage of dry hay but are not
often considered when ensiling baled forages. The objectives for this study were to
test several application rates of a propionic-acid-based preservative on the storage
efficiency, nutrient preservation, fermentation characteristics, and aerobic stability
of alfalfa–grass silages.
Materials and Methods
This study evaluated 4 preservative treatments applied to alfalfa–grass forages that
had received 5.1 mm of unexpected rainfall during wilting. A propionic-acid-based preservative was
applied at rates of 0.01 (control), 0.13, 0.44, or 0.80% of wet bale weight to 24
(1.2 × 1.2 m) round bales made at either 43.6 or 51.6% moisture. Aerobic stability
was then evaluated by removing plastic film from all bales and monitoring surface
bale temperatures for 11 d during spring. After exposure, surface and core samples
were evaluated further for residual fermentation products and pH.
Results and Discussion
Before fermentation, forage pH declined linearly (P < 0.001) from 6.14 to 5.77 with increasing product-application rates. After 242 d
of storage, there were linear increases in concentrations of total alcohols (P = 0.002), and particularly 2,3-butanediol (P < 0.001), with increasing preservative application rates. After aerobic exposure,
maximum surface temperatures (0.15-m depth) declined linearly (P = 0.001) from 55.6 to 17.9°C with preservative application rate. A similar linear
(P = 0.002) effect was observed for exposed surface pH (range = 6.52 to 5.41).
Implications and Applications
Propionic-acid-based preservatives improved aerobic stability of round-bale silages,
but the additional cost must be a critical component of any overall management strategy.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 19,
2021
Received:
December 16,
2020
Footnotes
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
