Chemical changes during silage formation

Abstract

<p>Examination of the contents of the three types of silo in use at the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station showed the following chemical changes during the actual period of silage formation.</p> <p>1. Non-reducing sugar was rapidly changed to reducing sugar , and the latter then decreased in amount but did not disappear completely.</p> <p>2. The amount of volatile acids increased daily.</p> <p>3. In the concrete silo, as already demonstrated for the hollow tile and wooden stave silos, the racemic lactic acid produced showed a daily increase.</p> <p>4. Alcohol was formed in small amounts in each silo.</p> <p>5. Carbon dioxide developed very rapidly after filling the silo.</p> <p>6. Free oxygen disappeared entirely after the second or third day.</p> <p>7. The maximum temperature observed in any of the three silos was 91 0 Fahrenheit.</p> <p>8. Within the limits of this investigation, no differences were noted which might be attributed to difference in the material of which the silos were constructed.</p>