Limin Kung, Jr.

Ruminants (e.g. cows, sheep, and deer) are metabolic marvels because of interactions with microbes in their guts.  Ruminants have three forestomachs where bacteria and protozoa ferment feed. These microbes produce volatile fatty acids and microbial protein that are utilized as sources of energy and protein, respectively by the animal. In a lactating cow, the first two forestomachs, the rumen and reticulum, have a capacity of about 150 to 200 liters. Each liter of rumen fluid contains about 10¹¹ bacteria, 10⁶ protozoa, and 10³ fungi per ml. Interestingly, ruminants are born with metabolic processes based on the primary absorption of glucose and a gastrointestinal system that is very similar to a monogastric animal (e.g., a pig).  However, as the animal matures, primary metabolism shifts to an organic acid economy, based mostly on the absorption of acetic and propionic acids from the rumen. My lab conducts research in the areas of ruminant nutrition and microbiology with the goal of improving the productive efficiency of ruminants.

2010 to present

Kung, Jr., L., R. M. Savage, E. B. da Silva, S. A. Polukis, M. L. Smith, A. C. B. Johnson, and M. A. Miller. 2021. The effects of air stress during storage and low packing density on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788. In press J. Dairy Sci.

Da Silva, E. B., M. L. Smith, R. M. Savage, S. A. Polukis, P. Drouin, and L. Kung, Jr. 2020. Effects of Lactobacillus hilgardii 4785 and Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on the bacterial community, fermentation, and aerobic stability of high‐moisture corn silage. J. Appl. Micro. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14892

Érica B da Silva; Rebecca M Savage; Amy S Biddle; Stephanie A Polukis; Megan L Smith; Limin Kung, Jr. 2020. Effects of a chemical additive on the fermentation, microbial communities, and aerobic stability of corn silage with or without air stress during storage. J. Anim. Sci. 98:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa246

Der Bedrosian, M., and L. Kung, Jr. 2019. The effect of various doses of an exogenous acid protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 102:10925–10933.

Kung, Jr., L., M. L. Smith, E. Benjamim da Silva, M. C. Windle, T. C. da Silva, and S. A. Polukis. 2018. An evaluation of the effectiveness of a chemical additive based on sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 101:5949-5960.

Kung, Jr., L., R. D. Shaver, R. J. Grant, and R. J. Schmidt. 2018. Interpretation of chemical, microbial and organoleptic components of silages. J. Dairy Sci. 101:4020-4033.

Muck, R. E., E. M. G. Nadeau, T. A. McAllister, F. E. Contreras-Govea, M. C. Santos, and L. Kung, Jr. 2018. Recent advances and future uses of silage additives. J. Dairy Sci. 101:3890-4000.

Ma, Guiling, C. Merrill, L. Kung Jr., T. F. Gressley, J.H. Harrison, E. Block. 2017. Effect of source of supplemental fat in early lactation on productive performance and milk composition. Prof. Anim. Scientist 33:680–691.

Santos, M. C., C. Golt, R. D. Joerger, G. D. Mechor, G. B. Mourão, and L. Kung Jr. 2016. Identification of the major yeasts isolated from high moisture corn and corn silages in the United States using genetic and biochemical methods. J. Dairy Sci. 99:1151–1160.

Windle, M. C., and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. Factors impacting the numbers of expected viable lactic acid bacteria in inoculant applicator tanks. J. Dairy Sci. 99:9334–9338.

Santos, M. C., and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. Short communication: The effects of dry matter and length of storage on the composition and nutritive value of alfalfa silage. J. Dairy Sci. 99:5466–5469.

Da Silva, T. C., M. L. Smith, A. M. Barnard, and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. The effect of a chemical additive on the fermentation and aerobic stability of high moisture corn. J. Dairy Sci. In press.

Hafner, S., M. C. Windle, C. Merrill, M. L. Smith, R. B. Franco and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. Effects of potassium sorbate and Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 on production of ethanol and other volatile organic compounds in corn silage. Animal Feed Sci. Tech. 208:79-85.

Santos, M. C., Adam L. Lock, G. D. Mechor, and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. Effects of a spoilage yeast from silage on in vitro ruminal fermentation. J. Dairy Sci. 98:2603-2610.

Kung Jr., L., J. M. Lim, D. J. Hudson, J. M. Smith, and R. D. Joerger. 2015. Chemical composition and nutritive value of corn silage harvested in the Northeastern United States after Hurricane Irene. J. Dairy Sci. 98:2055-2062.

Lim, J. M., K. E. Nestor, and L. Kung, Jr. 2014. The effect of hybrid type and dietary proportions of corn silage on the lactation performance of high producing dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 98:1195-1203.

Hafner, S. D., R. B. Franco, L. Kung, Jr., C. A. Rotz, and F. Mitloehner. 2014. Potassium sorbate reduces production of ethanol and 2 esters in corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 97:7870–7878.

Windle, M. C., N. Walker, and L. Kung, Jr. 2014. Effects of an exogenous protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage harvested at different dry matter contents and ensiled for various lengths of time. J. Dairy Sci. 97:3053-3060.

Kung, L., Jr., M. C. Windle, N. Walker. 2014. The effect of an exogenous protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of high-moisture corn. J. Dairy Sci. 97:1707-1712.

Young, K. M., J. M. Lim, M. C. Der Bedrosian, and L. Kung. Jr. 2012. Effect of exogenous protease enzymes on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 95:6687-6694.

Der Bedrosian, M. C., K. E. Nestor, and L. Kung, Jr. 2012. The effects of hybrid, maturity, and length of storage on the composition and nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5115-5126.

Teller, R.S., R.J. Schmidt, L.W. Whitlow, and L. Kung, Jr. 2012. Effect of physical damage to ears of corn before harvest and treatment with various additives on the concentration of mycotoxins, silage fermentation, and aerobic stability of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1428-1426.

Der Bedrosian, M.C., K.E. Nestor, and L. Kung, Jr. 2012. The effects of hybrid, maturity, and length of storage on the composition and nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5115-5126.

Young, K.M., J.M. Lim, M.C. Der Bedrosian, and L. Kung, Jr. 2012. Effect of exogenous protease enzymes on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 95:6687-6694.

Reich, L. J., and L. Kung, Jr. 2010. Effects of combining Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 with various lactic acid bacteria on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 159:105-109.

Hu, W., M. E. Persia, and L. Kung. Jr. 2010. 
 In vitro ruminal fermentability of a modified corn cultivar expressing a thermotolerant α-amylase.
 J. Dairy Sci. 93:4846-4849.

Schmidt, R. J., and L. Kung, Jr. 2010. The effects of Lactobacillus buchneri with or without a homolactic bacterium on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silages made at different locations. J. Dairy Sci. 93:1616-1624.

Kung, Jr., L., E. C. Stough, E. E. McDonell, R. J. Schmidt, M. W. Hofherr, L. J. Reich, and C. M. Klingerman. 2010. The effect of wide swathing on wilting times and nutritive value of alfalfa haylage. J. Dairy Sci. 93:1770-1773.

2012 to present

Hellings, E. A., K. Z. Moyer, É. B. da Silva, C. O. Novinski, Y. Li, W. C. Sá, R. N. Mester, and L. Kung, Jr.  2019.  Effect of ensiling time and temperature on the fermentation and nutritive value of a corn hybrid containing an alpha-amylase enzyme trait (Enogen® Feed Corn). J. Dairy Sci.  102 (Suppl. 1):328.

Li, Y., É. B. da Silva, K. Z. Moyer, E. A. Hellings, and L. Kung, Jr.  2019.  An evaluation on the effect of a microbial inoculant on the fermentation of alfalfa silage ensiled at two dry matters. J. Dairy Sci.  102 (Suppl. 1):207.

Santos, E. M.,  K. Z. Moyer, E. A. Hellings, D. M. Costa, N.A. Moyer, M. A. Davidson, and L. Kung, Jr.  2019.  Evaluation of additives containing Lactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci.

Moyer, K. Z.,  E. A. Hellings, D. M. Costa, E. M. Santos, N. A. Moyer, and L. Kung, Jr.

2019.  The effects of Lactobacillus diolivorans on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci.  102 (Suppl. 1):205.

Kung, Jr., L.  2019.  Silage additives: Effects on silage fermentation and animal production.  Invited Symposium Presentation.  J. Dairy Sci. 102 (Suppl. 1):150

Costa, D. M., K. Z. Moyer, E. Hellings, E. M. Santos, N. A. Moyer, and L. Kung, Jr.

An evaluation of Lactobacillus hilgardii 4785 to improve the aerobic stability of corn silage.  J Dairy Sci. 102 (Suppl. 1):332.

Smith, M., D. Vyas, L. Kung, Jr., S. Duval, M. Kindermann, and K. Beauchemin. 2018. The combined effects of supplementing 3-nitrooxypropanol and lipids on emissions of methane and hydrogen, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle fed a forage based diet. The 10th International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores, Clermont-Ferrand, France, September 2-6.

Da Silva, E. B., R. M. Savage, S. A. Polukis, M. L. Smith, R. N. Mester, and L. Kung, Jr.  2018.  Effects of a chemical additive on the microbial community composition, fermentation, and aerobic stability of corn silage stored with or without air stress. Pages 256-257 in XVII Intl. Silage Conf. Proc., Bonn, DE.  Univ. of Bonn, DE.

Da Silva, E. B., S. A. Polukis, R. M. Savage, M. L. Smith, R. N. Mester, L. Kung, Jr. 2018.  Effects of Lactobacillus buchneri PJB/1 alone and in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum MTD-1 on the bacterial community composition and aerobic stability of high moisture corn stored with or without air stress.  Pages 258-259 in XVII Intl. Silage Conf. Proc., Bonn, DE.  Univ. of Bonn, DE.

Da Silva, E. B., S. A. Polukis, R. M. Savage, M. L. Smith, R. N. Mester¹, and L. Kung, Jr.  2018.  Effects of a chemical additive on the microbial community composition, fermentation, and aerobic stability of corn silage stored with or without air stress. Pages 254-255 in XVII Intl. Silage Conf. Proc., Bonn, DE.  Univ. of Bonn, DE.

Da Paula, R. A., O. G. Pereira, T. C. da Silva, K. G. Ribeiro, H. Montovani.  L. Kung, Jr.  2018.  Selection of heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria in sugarcane silage.  Pages 162-163 in XVII Intl. Silage Conf. Proc., Bonn, DE.  Univ. of Bonn, DE.

Da Silva, T. C., O. G. Pereira, L. Kung, Jr., J.P.S. Roseira, F. X. Amaro, R. M. Martins, L. D. da Silva, and K. G. Rieiro.  2018.  Changes in the chemical composition of sugarcane silages treated with microbial and chemical additives. Pp 224-225 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf. Univ. of Bonn, DE.

Savage R. M., E. B. Silva, M. L. Smith, S. A. Polukis, K. M. Pacer, M. B. Palillo, and L. Kung, Jr. 2017. The effects of Lactobacillus buchneri and various air stresses on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):267 (Abstr.)

Smith M. L., R. M. Savage, E. B. Silva, S. A. Polukis, S. J. Dietz, M. B. Palillo, and L. Kung, Jr. 2017. Effect of a homolactic inoculant alone and in combination with a heterolactic inoculant on the fermentation and aerobic stability of snaplage. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):264 (Abstr.)

Smith M. L., R. M. Savage, E. Benjamim da Silva, S. A. Polukis, S. J. Dietz, K. M. Pacer, T. P. Karnezos, and L. Kung Jr. 2017. Effect of a homolactic inoculant alone and in combination with a heterolactic inoculant on the fermentation and aerobic stability of high-moisture corn. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):263 (Abstr.)

Polukis S. A., M. L. Smith, E. B. Silva, R. M. Savage, R. N. Mester, M. B. Palillo, and L. Kung, Jr. 2017.  Effect of Lactobacillus buchneri 30319 alone or in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum 40027 (MTD/1) on the aerobic stability of high moisture corn. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):268 (Abstr.)

Benjamim da Silva E., R. M. Savage, S. A. Polukis, M. L. Smith, R. N. Mester, A. M. Gray, and L. Kung Jr. 2017. Effects of a chemical additive on aerobic stability and fungal microbiome of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):61 (Abstr.)

Benjamim da Silva E., R. M. Savage, S. A. Polukis, M. L. Smith, A. M. Gray, K. M. Pacer, and L. Kung Jr. 2017. Effectiveness of a chemical additive on improving the aerobic stability of air-stressed high-moisture corn submitted to aerobic spoilage at room and warm temperatures. J. Dairy Sci. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):262 (Abstr.)

 Benjamim da Silva E., R. M. Savage, S. A. Polukis, M. L. Smith, A. M. Gray, R. N. Mester, and L. Kung Jr. 2017. Effectiveness of a chemical additive on improving the aerobic stability of corn silage after short periods of ensiling. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):263 (Abstr.)

Smith M. L., S. M. Duval, M. Kindermann, K. A. Beauchemin, and L. Kung Jr. 2017. Assessing the potential of 3-nitrooxypropanol and canola oil alone and in combination to lower methane emissions from cattle and reduce their contribution to climate change. J. Dairy Sci. 100(Suppl. 2):220 (Abstr.)

Polukis, S. A., M. L. Smith, R. M. Savage, E. Benjamim da Silva, A. Laubach, A. Gray, and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. The effect of microbial inoculants on the aerobic stability of high moisture corn. J. of Dairy Sci. 99(E-Suppl. 1):678. (Abstr.)

Savage, R. M., E. Benjamim da Silva, M. L. Smith, Polukis, S. A., K. M. Pacer, A. Laubach, A. Gray, and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. The Effects of Air and Heat Stress on the Aerobic Stability of Silage Treated with a Chemical Additive. J. of Dairy Sci. 99(E-Suppl. 1):684. (Abstr.)

Benjamim da Silva, E., R. M. Savage, M. L. Smith, Polukis, S. A., A. Laubach, K. M. Pacer, and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. Effects of Chemical Additives on Fermentation Characteristics of High Moisture Alfalfa Silage. J. of Dairy Sci. 99(E-Suppl. 1):685. (Abstr.)

Benjamim da Silva, E., R. M. Savage, M. L. Smith, Polukis, S. A., A. Laubach, K. M. Pacer, and L. Kung, Jr. 2016. The effect of a microbial inoculant at two application rates on the aerobic stability of high moisture corn. J. of Dairy Sci. 99(E-Suppl. 1):649. (Abstr.)

Benjamim da Silva, E., M. L. Smith, R. M. Savage, and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. Evaluation of microbial inoculants for improving the aerobic stability of corn silage. Pages 370-371 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Da Silva, T. C., O. G. Pereira, L. Kung, Jr., L. D. da Silva, R. A. de Paula, R. M. Martins, V. P. da Silva, and K. G. Ribeiro. 2015. Effect of a chemical additive containing sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite on the microbial populations and aerobic stability of sugarcane silage. Pages 148-149 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Kung, Jr., L., and R. Muck. 2015. Silage additives: where are we going? Pages 72-81 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Paula, R. A., O. G. Pereira, L. Kung, Jr., T. C. da Silva, H. C. Mantovani, and K. G. Ribeiro. 2015. Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria in elephant grass silage. Pages 510-511 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Savage, R. M., M. L. Smith, E. Benjamim da Silva, and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. The effects of packing density and air stress on corn silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri 40788.  Pages 368-369 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Smith, M. L., R. M. Savage, E. Benjamim da Silva, and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. Effect of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite on the aerobic stability of corn silage with air stress. Pages 366-367 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Windle, M. C., and L. Kung, Jr. 2015. The effect of an exogenous protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage stored at two temperatures.  Pages 162-163 in Proc. XVII Intl. Silage Conf., Univ. São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Da Silva, T. C., M. L. Smith, S. A. Polukis, A. M. Barnard, and L. Kung Jr. 2014. Effect of a chemical additive on fermentation and aerobic stability of high-moisture corn. J. of Dairy Sci. 97(E-Suppl. 1):536. (Abstr.)

Windle, M. C., C. Merrill, M. C. N. Agarussi, L. O. Rosa, and L. Kung Jr. 2014. The effect of chemical additives with anti-fungal properties on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage. J.  Dairy Sci. 97(E Suppl.  1):536-537. (Abstr.) 

Windle, M. C., C. Merrill, M. L. Smith, S. D. Hafner, F. M. Mitloehner, R. Franco, and L. Kung Jr. 2014. Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1, potassium sorbate, or their combination on production of volatile organic compounds and aerobic stability of corn silage. J. of Dairy Sci. 97(E-Suppl. 1):537. (Abstr.)

Savage, R.  M., M.  C.  Windle, S.  D.  Johanningsmeier, and L. Kung Jr.  2014.  The effects of strains of yeasts or Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 on the fermentation, production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aerobic stability of corn silage.  J.  Dairy Sci. 97(E Suppl.  1):537-538. (Abstr.) 

Merrill, C., M. C. Windle, W. F. Souza, I. R. Ipharraguerre, and L. Kung Jr.   2013.  The evaluation of a flavor enhancer on intake and production of high producing lactating dairy cows.  J. Dairy Sci.  91(E-Suppl. 1):424.

Block, E., L. Kung, Jr., and C. Merrill.  2013.  Production performance parameters of early lactation dairy cows fed a diet supplemented with Megalac or a fatty acid prill containing high levels of palmitic acid.  J. Dairy Sci.  91(E-Suppl. 1):237.

Windle, M. C., and L. Kung, Jr.  2013.  The effect of a feed additive on the feeding value of a silage-based TMR exposed to air.  J. Dairy Sci.  91(E-Suppl. 1):16.

Windle, M. C. Merrill, M. Agarussi, L. Rosa, K. Freedman, C. Asay, N. Walker, and L. Kung, Jr.  2013.  The effects of an exogenous protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of poorly processed or well-processed corn silage.  J. Dairy Sci.  91(E-Suppl. 1):313.

Windle, M., C. Merrill, L. Rosa, M. Agarussi, R. Savage, C. Asay, N. Walker, and L. Kung, Jr.  2013.  The effects of an exogenous protease on the fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage.  J. Dairy Sci. 91 (E-Suppl. 1):313.

Windle, M., and L. Kung, Jr.  2013.  A survey of the expected concentrations of lactic acid bacteria, pH, elapsed time in the tank, and temperature of the inoculant-water mixes used to treat silages.  J. Dairy Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 1):556.

Der Bedrosian, M. C., L. Kung, Jr., K. E. Nestor, C. L. Preseault, A. L. Lock.  2012.  The effect of ensiling duration on fatty acid profile and concentration of corn silage.  J. Anim. Sci. 90 (E-Suppl. 3):460

Merrill, C., A. P. T. P. Roth, M. A. Santos, M. C. Der Bedrosian, L. Kung.  2012.  Characterization of aerobic deterioration of corn silage treated with stabilizers.  J. Anim. Sci. 90 (E-Suppl. 3):461

Lim, J. M., E. A. Cummings, H. M. Darby, and L. Kung Jr.  2012.  A preliminary evaluation of corn silage impacted by Hurricane Irene in 2011 . J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):538.

Lim, J. M., M. C. Santos, M. C. der Bedrosian, K. E. Nestor, and L. Kung , Jr.  2012.  The effect of feeding normal corn silage, BMR corn silage or 50:50 mixture of the two on the production performance of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci.  95(Suppl. 2):598.