Effects of the use of acetic acid as the conservant in lucerne ensiling

• Main Authors: Đorđević Nenad, Grubić Goran, Glamočić Dragan M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade - Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade 2004-01-01
• Series: Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Belgrade)
• Subjects: lucerne; silage; acetic acid; fermentation; proteolysis
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1450-8109/2004/1450-81090401059D.pdf

The influence of acetic acid as the chemical conservant in three doses (4, 6 8 g/kg green mass) on the intensity of fermentation and proteolysis in lucerne silage was investigated. On the basis of chemical analysis, it was found that with the increase of conservant dose the pH value decreased aminogenesis and nitrogen solubility was limited. In silages treated the absolute and relative domination of acetic acid was found in total acid content. The increase of free and bonded acetic acid was discovered with the increase of conservant dose. Free butyric acid was not detected, while bonded butyric acid was present in negligible concentration, without effect on silage quality. Compared to control silage (III quality class according to DLG and Zelter method), a significant increase of acetic acid in silages resulted in the decline of their quality, and they were ranked as not useful (V quality class according to DLG method), or on the margin of usefulness (IV quality class according to Zelter method). In spite of some foreign references, domestic experiences show that acetic acid is not an effective conservant and it is not recommended for that use for lucerne that is not simple to ensile.