Effect of a Propionic- and Formic-Acid-Based Chemical Additive on Corn Silage: Fermentative Profile, Aerobic Stability, and Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows

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Organic acids play a crucial role in silage fermentation and aerobic stability by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms such as fungi and yeasts. This study evaluated the effects of a propionic- and formic-acid-based chemical additive on the fermentative profile, aerobic stability, dry matter losses, and performance of lactating dairy cows fed re-ensiled whole-plant corn silage with high dry matter content. The study was conducted in two trials. In Trial 1, whole-plant corn was treated with a chemical additive (Lupro-Mix® NA) and stored in experimental silos using a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment: untreated silage (control) and silage treated with 4 L t⁻¹ of fresh matter. The additive significantly reduced ethanol, 1, 2-propanediol, ethyl lactate, and ethyl acetate concentrations, as well as dry matter losses, while markedly increasing propionic acid concentration, resulting in greater aerobic stability. In Trial 2, the same additive was applied to re-ensiled corn silage stored in commercial bag silos and fed to lactating cows under a crossover design. Treated silage resulted in a numerical reduction in ingestion time and promoted increases in dry matter intake, milk yield, fat-corrected milk, and milk energy, with a tendency toward higher milk protein content. The use of a propionic- and formic-acid-based chemical additive effectively reduced storage losses, improved aerobic stability, and showed potential to enhance dairy cow performance.

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