Microbiology of Ensiled High-Moisture Corn

Abstract

The effects of gaseous environment and temperature on the microbial populations of ensiled high-moisture corn were investigated. Molds, coliform bacteria, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, and yeasts were enumerated at intervals during ensiling. The numbers of aerobic bacteria were similar in structures containing different concentrations of gas and held at different temperatures. Coliform bacteria could not be detected after 10 days of ensiling. Mold numbers were relatively low, but were important in the deterioration of corn at the surface of the silos. Yeast and bacterial numbers increased rapidly following an initial aeration period, but no increase was observed after a second aeration series. Lack of a growth response to the second aeration series is believed related to the depletion of an assimilable carbon source.