Effect of Cellulase Preparation on Fermentation of Silage

Abstract

The effects of cellulase preparation (Meicelase) on silage fermentation were studied using the first cutting alfalfa and timothy. In one-liter laboratory silos with Meicelase of 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0:8% of the fresh grasses, the fermentative quality was examined throughout a 30 day ensilage period. The amount of the lactic acid in the silage with the Meicelase was considerably greater than the control silage with no additive. In addition, the pH of that silage was low and the content of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) was high. However, the differences in the amount of Meicelase applied had no effects in the fermentative quality. Moreover after 30 days, the cellulose content in the Meicelase treated silage was reduced. It was observed that the hydrolyzed product of cellulose was used in the silage fermentation which, in turn, improved the fermentative quality