Sulfur Dioxide as a Preservative for High Moisture Legume Silage

Abstract

Summary Legume silage harvested by the direct cut method was used to measure the value of SO 2 as a preservative. Comparisons were made between SO 2 -treated and untreated silages on the basis of a feeding trial and chemical analysis. Both silages were palatable, and the cows consumed an average of 65lb. per day during the trial. There were no differences between the two silages on the basis of milk production or body weight during the 60-day feeding trial. The analyses showed the SO 2 -treated silage was lower in pH, moisture, and fiber, and higher in protein, than the untreated silage. These differences were statistically significant. No significant difference was shown for ether extract, ash, and carotene.