Screening of microorganisms with potential for application in the ensiling process

• Grant number: 19/27320-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Pastures and Forage Crops
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Gustavo Nussio
• Grantee: Andreia Volpato
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/08826-1 - Particle size, bacterial inoculation and storage length of corn silage, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Currently, there is a great interest in the use of microorganisms intentionally applied to the forage mass before silage. These microorganisms can improve the fermentation profile, lower the pH rapidly and reduce silo losses. The present work aims to evaluate the growth and acid production of bacterial strains in forage mass in anaerobic environment. 5 experiments will be developed; the first in the laboratory to determine growth curve, pH decline and acid and alcohol concentration of the tested strains (phase A), followed by 3 assays to evaluate silage pH drop during the early stages of mini bag fermentation and to evaluate nutrients , fermentative profile and aerobic stability of silos in mini silos (phase A) and, finally, a large-scale animal feed test (phase B). In the first experiment, 10 strains will be tested in the laboratory and selected 5. Later, the 5 strains will be tested in mini bags and mini silos. In the third trial, the 3 previously selected strains will be tested, as well as their combinations. To complete phase A, different doses of the selected strains or combinations will be tested. In phase B, the strains will be inoculated in large scale silo and the silage will be supplied to dairy cows to evaluate dry matter intake, digestibility, productivity among others. At the end of the project, it will be pointed out whether the tested strains of B. subtilis, Bradyrhizobium sp. and Azospirillum sp. may or may not be used as a corn silage inoculant. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

VOLPATO, Andreia. Harvesting maturities of corn silage hybrids on the performance of finishing beef cattle. 2023. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) Piracicaba.