| Summary: | Corn silage is widely used due to its nutritional quality, dry matter production per ha-1 and good
fermentative standard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silage time on fermentation pattern,
nutritional quality, losses and aerobic stability of corn (Zea mays) silages. A completely randomized experimental
design was used, with four treatments (0; 12; 24 and 48h for ensilage after forage cutting) and five replications. After
30 days of fermentation, losses by effluents, losses by gases and recovery of dry matter were determined. For the
stability test, approximately 2kg of silage was removed from each experimental unit and added in 4 liter plastic
containers, measured at temperature (2 hours interval), pH and electrical conductivity (6 hours interval). the
determination of ammonia nitrogen, buffering capacity and carbon dioxide. Chemical composition was evaluated for
dry matter, mineral matter, ether extract, crude protein, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid, total
carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates, neutral detergent insoluble protein and hemicellulose. All results
underwent regression testing at 5% probability. The ensiling period did not influence the fermentative losses for gas
losses and dry matter recovery. The chemical standard of silage had no change for crude protein content with
averages of 84.60g; 78.26g; 82.58g and 74.22g, respectively for treatments 0h; 12pm; 24h and 48h. Silage time after
cutting alters carbon production dynamics, increases ammonia nitrogen content, reduces buffering capacity and
decreases silage stability. However bromatology maintains the contents of crude protein, ether extract, mineral
matter and non-fibrous carbohydrates, as well as do not influence gas losses and dry matter recovery
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