Effects of Boric Acid and Sodium Chloride Additives on the Nutrient Composition, Fermentation Characteristics, Aerobic Stability, Physical Properties, and Relative Feed Value of High Moisture Corn Silages

This study investigated the effects of boric acid (45 and 90 mg/kg) and/or 1% NaCl supplementation on silage quality and fermentation characteristics of high-moisture corn silages. The experiment consisted of six groups: control (C), 1% NaCl (S), boric acid at 45 and 90 mg/kg (B45, B90), and their combinations with 1% NaCl (SB45, SB90). The findings demonstrated that 45 mg/kg boric acid reduced ADF content, limited mold growth, and enhanced dry matter digestibility and relative feed value. The S group showed the lowest digestibility, lactic acid concentration, and fermentation efficiency, while the SB90 group exhibited the highest lactate concentration but reduced Flieg score, CO2 production, and relative feed value, indicating that high-dose boric acid supplementation (90 mg/kg) negatively affected certain aspects of silage quality. In conclusion, low-dose boric acid supplementation appears promising for improving the quality of high-moisture corn silages.