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Low penetration packing films improve the nutritional quality and aerobic stability of corn silage

Jozivaldo de Morais, Mariana Campana, Estefani Capucho, Vitória Massafera, Paulo Sobires, Duvan Sanabria-Bautista, Lucas Miranda, Tiago Del Valle

Abstract

Context. Corn silage is a widely utilized feed source in ruminant nutrition, valued for its substantial contributions of energy, fiber, and protein to the diet. However, the quality of silage is significantly influenced by various factors during both the fermentation and storage processes. Aims. This study aims to evaluate the effects of packaging films with varying oxygen transmission rates on the fermentation profile, dry matter recovery, chemical composition, in vitro degradation, and pH following aerobic exposure in whole-plant corn silage. Methods. Twenty-four experimental silos (18 kg-plastic bags) were used in a completely randomized block design to evaluate the following treatments: 1. Control (CON): conventional black-and-white polyethylene film with a thickness of 115 µm and an oxygen transmission rate of 290 cm³/mm/m²/d; 2. Conventional Film (FIL): ensiling using the previously described black-and-white polyethylene film plus an additional silage film barrier; and 3. Low Penetration Film (LPF): ensiling using a black-and-white polyethylene film with a thickness of 115 µm and an oxygen transmission rate of 107 cm³/mm/m²/d. Blocks were defined by corn hybrids and bags were stored at room temperature for 60 days. Key results. Treatments had no significant effect on the silage fermentation profile or dry matter (DM) recovery of silage. However, FIL and LPF increased organic matter and starch while reducing the acid detergent fiber content compared to CON. Additionally, LPF decreased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and increased non-fiber carbohydrate content compared to other treatments. Despite these changes, treatments had no effects on DM and NDF in vitro degradation. Moreover, LPF reduced silage pH compared to other treatments 48 and 72 hours after aerobic exposure. Conclusions. Low-oxygen-penetration films increase non-fiber carbohydrate and aerobic stability while reducing NDF content and pH in corn silage. Implications. Low-oxygen-permeability films improve the quality and stability of corn silage, providing a practical tool to optimize silage preservation. This innovation supports sustainable production and more efficient resource utilization.

AN25082  Accepted 26 August 2025

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