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

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.