Enzymes in grass silage production

Abstract

The use of plant fibre degrading enzymes, mainly cellulase and hemicellulase. is reviewed on the basis of the data published in the literature or found in the authors laboratory. Owing to variable hetorofermentative microflora in the grass it is recommended that enzymes are used as a preservative together with the homofermentative lactic acid bacteria. The enzymes degrading plant cell walls are mainly used for the production of fermentable carbohydrates for the microbes in the silage. If the enzymes work properly they can, together with homofermentative inoculants, improve the quality of silage. Grass with a low dry matter content can however, be fermented in an incorrect way. The enzymes reviewed did not improve the feeding value of the silages.

Key words:

• enzyme
• grass silage