Effects of hybrid, kernel maturity, and storage period on the bacterial community in high-moisture and rehydrated corn grain silages.

This study evaluated changes in the bacterial community in high-moisture and rehydrated corn grain silage, and their correlation with fermentation quality attributes in distinct corn hybrids, the storage period, and kernel maturity at plant harvest. Most silages achieved good fermentation (pH<4.2).

Rehydration of dry corn preserves the desirable bacterial community during ensiling.

This study evaluated the rehydration approach of mature corn grains as an alternative for high-moisture corn grain silage production in distinct corn hybrids, storage period, cultivation locations and kernel maturity at plant harvest. High-moisture corn was used as a control. The dry matter content and pH of the silage were measured, and the bacterial community associated with corn grains pre- and post-ensiling was also assessed through 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.