Corn Stover Silage Inoculated with Ferulic Acid Esterase Producing L. johnsonii, L. plantarum, L. fermentum, and L. brevis Strains: Fermentative and Nutritional Parameters

Corn stover (CS) is an abundant lignocellulosic by-product of the grain industry. Ferulic acid esterase producing (FAE+)-lactobacilli can potentially improve ensiled forages’ nutritive value through hydrolysis ferulic ester bonds present in cell walls during fermentation process, but this has not been addressed CS silage. In study, we characterized 8 FAE+ lactobacilli regarding their FAE activity and inoculant aptitude: Lactobacillus (L.) johnsonii (CRL2237, CRL2238, CRL2240), L. plantarum (ETC182, CRL046, CRL2241), fermentum CRL1446 brevis CRL2239. Next, 25% dry matter (DM) mini silos were prepared either inoculated (UN) or with each strain (105 CFU g fresh matter−1). Compared to UN, DM loss was significantly reduced CRL046 CRL2239, organic increased CRL2241-inoculated silages. Although rest digestibility measures improved, situ detergent fiber degradability (ADFD) by CRL2238 when compared UN. Results silages correlated quantification growth/acidification studies a CS-derived culture broth. This study demonstrates potential several strains as inoculants encourages further research.