Effects of lactic acid bacteria preparation on silage fermentation qualities of different green corns in an irrigated area

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of lactic acid bacteria preparation on silage fermentation qualities of different green corn (Zea mays) cultivars in irrigated areas. Ten green corn cultivars harvested during the milk to ripening stages were selected for silage making, and two treatments were set up: the control group (CK) and mixed lactobacillus preparation group (Sila-Max), with three repetitions for each group. After 60 d of fermentation, the nutritional quality and fermentation characteristics of the different treatments were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of soluble carbohydrate (WSC), monosaccharide (ESC), and acetic acid (AA) in ‘Beinongqingzhu 208’ were higher than those in other cultivars (P < 0.05). The ether extract (EE) of ‘Yuqingzhu 23’ was significantly higher than that of other cultivars (P < 0.05), and the dry matter loss rate of ‘Yuqingzhu 23’ was lower than that of other cultivars (P < 0.05). In addition, the dry matter (DM), Ash, and NH₃-N contents of ‘Jinsui 715’ were the highest, and the dry matter loss rate was lower (P < 0.05). However, the pH value of ‘Guiqingzhu 1’ was significantly lower than that of other cultivars (P < 0.05), and lactic acid (LA) content was significantly higher than that of other cultivars (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the contents of WSC, LA, and AA in ‘Beinongqingzhu 208’ increased by 13.64%, 20.87%, and 32.83% (P < 0.05), respectively, whereas the content of LA in ‘Yuqingzhu 23’ increased by 18.49%. The LA and AA contents of ‘Jinsui 715’ increased by 8.32% and 32.95% (P < 0.05), whereas the neutral detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent fiber (NDF) contents of ‘Shuyu 201’ decreased by 34.30% and 30.01% (P < 0.05). The LA content of ‘Guiqingzhu 1’ increased by 18.41% (P < 0.05). Total analysis showed that the addition of mixed lactic acid bacteria improved the silage quality of some green corns. The silage quality results revealed that ‘Beinongqingzhu 208’, ‘Yuqingzhu 23’, ‘Jinsui 715’, ‘Shuyu 201’, and ‘Guiqingzhu 1’ showed better qualities. Therefore, they are suitable for promotion in this area.