Biomaterial Database

Comparative studies on the efficiency of various biological silage additives for the ensiling of lucerne. 1994

T Keller, and H Nonn, and H Jeroch

Institute of Animal Nutrition, Martin-Luther-University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.

Enzyme preparations, inoculants, molasses, sodium formate, urea as well as combinations thereof were tested for their efficiency in the ensiling of lucerne (Medicago varia). The experiments were carried out both on fresh plant material (180 g dry matter (DM)/kg) and wilted material obtained after graded times of wilting (28, 52 and 76 hours). Dry matter contents varied between 360 and 710 g/kg. Differentiated dry matter contents of this order are normal when lucerne is ensiled in plastic-wrapped big bales with varying periods of exposure in the field depending on the operational performance. The experiments were launched to test a large number of biological silage additives for their suitability as quality promoters in this conservation technique. Depending on dry matter content the additives were expected to produce differentiated results. On lower DM level especially molasses addition, also together with inoculants, improved fermentation. From about 500 gDM/kg upwards progressive mould development was observed, which was avoided reliably only by adding urea.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008965	Molasses	The syrup remaining after sugar is crystallized out of SUGARCANE or sugar beet juice. It is also used in ANIMAL FEED, and in a fermented form, is used to make industrial ETHYL ALCOHOL and ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.	Molasse
D004798	Enzymes	Biological molecules that possess catalytic activity. They may occur naturally or be synthetically created. Enzymes are usually proteins, however CATALYTIC RNA and CATALYTIC DNA molecules have also been identified.	Biocatalyst,Enzyme,Biocatalysts
D005285	Fermentation	Anaerobic degradation of GLUCOSE or other organic nutrients to gain energy in the form of ATP. End products vary depending on organisms, substrates, and enzymatic pathways. Common fermentation products include ETHANOL and LACTIC ACID.	Fermentations
D005503	Food Additives	Substances used in the processing or storage of foods or animal feed including ANTIOXIDANTS; FOOD PRESERVATIVES; FOOD COLORING AGENTS; FLAVORING AGENTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; EXCIPIENTS and other similarly used substances. Many of the same substances are used as PHARMACEUTIC AIDS.	Additive, Food,Additives, Food,Food Additive
D005561	Formates	Derivatives of formic acids. Included under this heading are a broad variety of acid forms, salts, esters, and amides that are formed with a single carbon carboxy group.	Formic Acids,Acids, Formic
D000455	Medicago sativa	A plant species of the family FABACEAE widely cultivated for ANIMAL FEED.	Alfalfa,Lucerne
D012820	Silage	Fodder converted into succulent feed for livestock through processes of anaerobic fermentation (as in a silo).