Microbiological and Chemical Studies of Sweet Potato Vine Silage

This study was conducted as part of an investigation on the preservation of sweet potato vines by ensiling. Fresh vines, which yield an average of 10 to 20 tons per acre, are readily eaten by livestock, and it was believed they would be valuable as roughage for winter feeding if properly preserved. A review of the literature showed that Bennett and Gieger (3) ensiled sweet potato vines and mixtures of vines, phosphoric acid, and molasses in sealed fruit jars. These workers concluded that silage could not be made from vines alone but that good silage was made when phosphoric acid or molasses was added. In our investigation, data were sought from vines and mixtures of vines, tubers, and molasses by determining the progressive changes which occur in the microbial flora and chemical composition during the fermentation period. The work was conducted during ]941-1943 at the North Carolina State College with the cooperation of several departments (Agricultural Engineering, Aninml Industry, and Horticulture) as well as the Agricultural Research Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The results from feeding tests with sweet potato vines ensiled in silos will be reported separately by the Department of Animal Industry, North Carolina State College.