Studies on the Fermentation of Silage : I. Changes with passage of time in the fermentation process of high moisture silage

Abstract

Fermentation process of silage was investigated to obtain fundamental informations by using orchardgrass (moisture content of 85.5%), and red clover (87.2%). Fermentation of orchardgrass passed a similar process as was reported by GOUET, and GREENHILL. On the contrary, red clover squeezed out its plant juice soon after ensiling so that the active fermentation of lactic acid began more than 30 hours later than orchardgrass. Moreover, fairly high content of lactic acid was maintained during ensiling. There was observed a large difference in fermentation process between two crops.