The use of quebracho condensed tannins as rehydrated corn grain silage additive: effects on fermentation pattern and aerobic stability

Ensiling is a method used to conserve herbage or grains through acidification by microbial fermentation. However, the development of spoilage microorganisms (as Clostridium spp. and fungi) during storage phase reduces the conservation efficiency and increases the nutrient losses. Controlling the fermentation by using tannins as additive could reduce the risk of undesirable fermentation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a condensed tannin (CT) extract as silage additive on fermentative losses and fermentation pattern of rehydrated corn grain silage.