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Bentonite as a Natural Additive to Enhance Fermentation Quality and Reduce Losses in Corn Silage

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of different bentonite levels on the fermentation profile, losses, microbial populations, aerobic stability, and chemical composition of corn silage. A 5 × 3 factorial completely randomized design was used, with five bentonite inclusion levels (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 g/kg) and three storage times (30, 90, and 180 days), with four repetitions. Significant additive × storage time interactions were detected for key parameters. After 180 days, pH increased to 4.20 at 80 g/kg bentonite, while lactic acid peaked at 54.02 g/kg DM with 60 g/kg at 90 days. Acetic acid reached 22.36 g/kg DM at 180 days, and lactic acid bacteria ranged from 3.42 to 7.43 log CFU/g. Yeast counts were lowest (≤0.57 log CFU/g) at 180 days with 20–60 g/kg bentonite. Dry matter rose to 311 g/kg with 60 g/kg bentonite, whereas soluble carbohydrates decreased from 123.9 to 68.2 g/kg DM. Aerobic stability markedly improved, reaching 142.06 h with 40 g/kg bentonite at 180 days, almost three times higher than the control. The inclusion of bentonite in corn silage at levels of 20–60 g/kg of fresh matter effectively enhances silage quality during 180 days of storage by improving fermentation characteristics, microbial stability, and aerobic stability.

Source: Fermentation

DOI: 10.3390/fermentation12010037