Evaluation of boron supplementation on nutritional value, microbial fermentation, and aerobic stability in high-moisture corn silage

The aim of this study was to investigate how the inclusion of boric acid as an additive in high-moisture corn silage influences its physical characteristics, nutrient composition, fermentation dynamics, aerobic stability, mold development, and relative feed value. The experiment was designed with four groups: a control group (C), 30 mg/kg boric acid (B30), 60 mg/kg boric acid (B60), and 90 mg/kg boric acid (B90). The prepared silage materials were left in the ensiling process for 60 days, followed by sensory, chemical, and microbiological analyses. The findings revealed that boric acid adding at B60 and B90 doses preserved the structural integrity of the silage by increasing dry matter, fiber fractions (ADF, NDF), and ether extract levels. The addition of boric acid reduced ammonia nitrogen levels by decreasing proteolytic degradation, thereby contributing to the preservation of silage proteins. The B90 dose promoted more intensive homofermentative fermentation by increasing lactate production and improved aerobic stability. However, this high dose negatively influenced on dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, and relative feed value. In conclusion, boric acid can be considered a promising additive with the potential to improve silage quality, but the dose to be applied must be carefully determined to achieve optimal effectiveness.