Grass and Legume Silage Studies using 2–Quart Glass Jars as Miniature Silos1,2

Abstract

Summary 1. On the basis of the results obtained in these experiments, it appears that the use of 2–quart glass jars as miniature silos offers a convenient technic for studies in silage preservation. 2. Desirable fermentation was obtained in all cases except the unwilted, untreated alfalfa silage. It should be noted that in the silages of groups B and C there was very little clover, and the crops were in full bloom. 3. The development of acidity was more rapid in the unwilted than in the wilted silages, and even after 170 days some of the wilted silages were still increasing in acidity. This characteristic was especially noticeable in the alfalfa group. 4. Using pH values as a measure of desirable fermentation, 60 lb. Of molasses and 100 lb. of hominy feed, respectively, were equally effective as preservatives under the conditions of these experiments. Silages with straw added, and that wilted plus no preservative, were well preserved and of good quality, but were somewhat inferior to those in which preservatives were used. 5. There was no destruction of carotene in any of the silages up to 30 days following ensiling, an actual increase being noted in most cases. 6. The mean sugar content of the wilted silages was 40 and 33 per cent higher than for the unwilted silages in groups B and C, respectively. 7. The crude protein content of samples analyzed 60 days after ensiling was 4.90 per cent less than that of silage 1 day old. There also was a slight loss of crude protein, attributable to wilting. 8. Analysis of variance of dry matter, nitrogen, and pH values of the various silages studied here revealed a coefficient of variation of less than 5 per cent in all cases and less than 2 per cent in some instances. This extremely low variability indicates that very accurate sampling can be accomplished by using glass jars as miniature silos. Another important advantage, of the miniature silo technic is that samples may be taken at any interval desired following the ensiling date. 9. Evidently the fermentation changes which occur in 2–quart glass jar silos are similar to those which occur in commercial silos.