Effect of varying fermentation conditions with ensiling period and inoculum on photosynthetic pigments and phytol content in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage. (6th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lv, Renlong; Elsabagh, Mabrouk; Obitsu, Taketo; Sugino, Toshihisa; Kurokawa, Yuzo; Kawamura, Kensuke
• Is Part Of: Animal science journal. Volume 91:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-11-06
• Subjects: chlorophyll -- ensiling -- Italian ryegrass -- lactic acid bacteria -- phytol; Animal culture -- Periodicals; Livestock -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1111/asj.13309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-3941

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ensiling period (Experiment 1) and adding lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Experiment 2) on the changes in carotenoid, chlorophyll, and phytol in ensiled Italian ryegrass (IR, Lolium multiflorum Lam.). In Experiment 1, the IR herbage ensiled into plastic bags was analyzed for the contents of photosynthetic pigments and phytol over a 5‐week period. During the ensiling process, the β‐carotene content decreased ( p < .05), whereas the lutein content did not change. Although the chlorophyll content decreased ( p < .05) after ensiling, the phytol content barely changed until week 5. In Experiment 2, IR herbage was ensiled without additive, as a Control, or with LAB for 60 days. The pH was lower ( p < .05) and lactic acid content was higher ( p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. The chlorophyll content in silage was not affected by the LAB; however, the β‐carotene content was higher ( p < .05) for the LAB silage than for the Control. Phytol and lutein contents in the herbage did not change after ensiling. These results indicate that phytol and lutein in IR herbage can be preserved well in silage, irrespective of their fermentation condition.