EN
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a silage additive on maize silage fermentation and assess the relationship of silages with different levels of fermentation end-products to ruminal fermentation parameters and organic matter (OM) digestibility. The maize silage underwent two treatments: a) no additive (control silage), b) additive with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilacticci and enzyme cellulase. The additive improved silage fermentative processes, preserved more water soluble carbohydrates, increased fermentation of lactic acid and decreased formation of ammonia-N. Two groups of analogous cows were formed: the cows (n = 10) of the control group were fed silage without additives, the cows (n = 10) of the experimental group the silage additive. Rumen fluid from cows was sampled. The silage additive improved fermentation processes in the rumen: the amount of volatile fatty acids, including propionic acid, increased as well as the total and lactate fermenting bacterial count and number of protozoa. The incubation of both grass hay and also silage with the rumen fluid from the cows receiving silage with inoculant and cellulase additive improved their OM digestibility.