Silage making

Liesivuori J, Kettunen A Farmers exposure to formic acid vapour in silage making. Ann Occup Hyg 27 327-329, 1983... 

Swanson and Tague studied the factors in silage making. They say, It was found that silage could be made from alfalfa alone if absolute exclusion of air and retention of carbon dioxid cculd be secured. These conditions are, however, indicated aB not practical of realization. The addition of supplements was found to insure a more rapid and plentiful production of acids, which makes conditions for putrefactive organisms unfavorable. Wilted alfalfa was more suitable for silage than unwilted. The addition of water to unwilted alfalfa was harmful, while no decisive results were obtained by the addition of water to wilted alfalfa. 

In order to retain the maximum amount of nutrients in the crop and to ensure a successful preservation, certain practical steps must be taken during the silage-making process. These reflect the need to minimise the plant enzyme activity and to promote the appropriate microbial fermentation described in the text ... 

Additives are used in silage making if there is any doubt as to whether natural fermentation is capable of ensuring satisfactory preservation, or routinely as an insurance against poor preservation. Stimulants provide substrate for lactic acid production or boost the population of desirable bacteria in the material to be ensiled. Fermentation inhibitors are used to render the environment inimical to the development of undesirable microorganisms. 

Describe the causes of the losses of nutrients that can occur dming silage making. 

Diy, sunny weather is obviously to be preferred for silage making. Wilting conditions will be improved and the possibility of soil contamination is minimised. 

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