Effects of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate at two application rates on fermentation and aerobic stability of maize silage

This study evaluated two potassium sorbate (PS) and sodium benzoate (SB) application rates in improving the aerobic stability of maize silage. Treatments included no additive, the addition ofPSat 1 and 2 g kg−1fresh matter (FM) and the addition ofSBat 1 and 2 g kg−1FM. Four replicates of each treatment were ensiled in 15‐L plastic jars. The silages were analysed for their fermentative characteristics and were subjected to an aerobic stability test withpHand yeast and mould count measurements. Considering fermentation quality and aerobic stability, both additives were effective. ThePSwas more active against yeasts during aerobic exposure. When the additives were applied at 2 g kg−1, the silages were more stable (256 h, on average) than those with 1 g kg−1(119 h, on average) and control (61 h). Aerobic deterioration was more pronounced in the controls than in the treated silages. Silages treated at 2 g kg−1had consistent effects on pHvalues and yeast counts over 288 h of aerobiosis. Overall,PSandSBapplied at 2 g kg−1were more effective in improving aerobic stability.