Losses during storage of low moisture silage

Abstract

Laboratory scale investigations have been made of the fermentative and other changes Which occur during the ensiling of heavily wilted lucerne and ryegrass in air-tight containers. Dry matter losses were small but increased with increasing moisture content and ensiling period. Lactic acid production was restricted and little, if any, was produced during four months' storage at the lower moisture content levels. In the ryegrass silage, the breakdown of protein, and the formation of ammonia were no greater than in good quality silage of normal moisture content.