Modulating Fermentation in Total Mixed Ration Silages Using Lasalocid Sodium and Essential Oils

This study evaluated the effects of lasalocid sodium (LASA) and essential oils on the fermentation and nutritional quality of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. A 4 × 2 factorial design tested four additives—a control (distilled water), LASA (375 mg/kg DM), limonene essential oil (LEO), and a blend of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (EOB), both at 400 mg/kg DM—during summer and autumn. The TMRs were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of lactating cows producing 20 kg of milk per day. After 110 days of ensiling, silages were analyzed for fermentation losses, pH, short-chain fatty acids, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), aerobic stability (AS), and chemical composition. The additives significantly improved dry matter recovery (DMR), especially LASA and EOB in autumn. EOB showed the lowest effluent losses and highest AS, with higher acetic acid and lower NH₃-N contents. LEO and EOB increased lactic acid, while LASA reduced ethanol and butyric acid levels in summer. Crude protein increased with LEO in autumn, and LASA and LEO improved total digestible nutrients (TDNs) in summer. EOB-treated silages had higher fiber fractions in autumn, without compromising feed value. Therefore, LASA, LEO, and particularly EOB enhanced silage fermentation and nutrient preservation, with EOB showing the most consistent results across seasons.