The experiment was carried out to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, Listeria sp. and molds occurrence on Tifton 85 silage no wilted, wilted for one and two hours and no wilted with or without citrus pulp (5.0 % of fresh forage). The samplings were taken at the opening of the silos (80 days after ensiling), 15, and 30 days after air exposition to evaluated dry matter (DM) content, chemical changes (pH, ammonia N, organic acids) and Listeria sp., and molds occurrence. Data were analyzed according to a randomized block design in split plot scheme, considering the silage on the plots, and periods of air exposure on the split plot, with four replications. Low contents of organic acids and ammonia N due to the high silage DM content that promotes low formation of fermentable products and high pH values was observed. The occurrence of Listeria sp. was observed in 65.6% of the silage samples at the opening of the silos and, from them 10% of these were Listeria monocytogenes. The silages showed poor aerobic stability, having been registered higher amount of Penicillium, Fusarium and Pithomyces occurrence, along the air exposition periods.
animal health; bacteria; grass silage; microbiology
