Meta-analysis of effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri, with or without other bacteria, on silage fermentation, aerobic stability, and performance of dairy cows

A meta-analysis of 158 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to examine effects inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB)-based inoculants (LBB) that did or not include homolactic obligate heterolactic bacteria on silage fermentation and aerobic stability. complementary 12 examined LBB dairy cow performance. Raw mean differences between inoculant control treatment means weighted by inverse variance were compared a hierarchical model included robust estimation. Meta-regression subgrouping analysis used identify covariates including forage type, application rate (≤104, 105, 106, ≥ 107 cfu/g as fed), type (LB vs. LB plus other bacteria), enzyme inclusion, ensiling duration, silo (laboratory farm scale). Inoculation increased acetate (62%), 1, 2 propanediol (364%) propionate (30%) concentration stability (73.8%) reduced lactate (7.2%), yeast counts (7-fold) mold (3-fold). Feeding inoculated affect milk yield, dry matter intake, feed efficiency in lactating cows. However, composition, dose quality measures evident. all silages except tropical grasses. Adding facultative prevented the small increase DM losses caused alone. The 105 106 rates most effective at minimizing while only rates. concentration, improved but improve