New microbial additives on sugarcane ensilage: bromatological composition, fermentative losses, volatile compounds and aerobic stability

In this study, the inclusion of Lactobacillus brevis + Enterococcus faecium + L. plantarum was compared to the inoculation with a commercial additive containing strains of Lactobacillus buchneri and to the silage without additives (control). Silages were prepared in experimental silos and stored for 90 days before opening of the silos. It was evaluated chemical composition of sugarcane before and after ensiling process, composition of organic acids and ethanol in the silages, aerobic stability and fermentative losses during the ensiling process. Use of compound additive and commercial additive containing strains of Lactobacillus buchneri increased production of effluents and gas and total dry matter losses. Lactic acid content in the silage increased with the use of compound additive, although this additive had increased content of ethanol (18.6% of DM) compared with the control ensilage (14.4%). Aerobic stability in the silage was not influenced by inoculants added into ensilage process. The additives used have impaired the ensiling process of sugarcane.