THE EFFECTS OF MOLDY AND DECOMPOSED CORN-SILAGE ON RUMEN

The effects of mouldy and decomposed corn silage on rumen fermentation patterns in cattle were investigated in vitro using the rumen simulation technique RUSITEC, The test periods were 6 days for mouldy silage and 3 days for decomposed silage. Fermentation of carbohydrates was generally inhibited by the mouldy silage and notably by decomposed material. A selective reduction of the cellulolytic and methanogenic activities was also observed The detailed changes observed comprised: a decrease in production of the volatile fatty acids from 25% to 50%; a reduction in gas production from 22% to 51% and a decrease of the methane component of gas production from 22% to 71%. Normal fermentation resumed within 6 days following the replacement of the spoilt silage.