Effect of 2,2′‐dipyridyl on silage fermentation

The fermentation of grass can be altered by the addition of 2,2′‐dipyridyl so that a lactic acid fermentation occurs rather than a putrefying fermentation (butyric acid fermentation). The combined addition of 2,2′‐dipyridyl and inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum is even more favourable and results in high quality silage. 2,2′‐Dipyridyl is too toxic for general use, but the results of laboratory‐scale studies suggest that other sequestrants of iron(II) ions warrant further research with respect to their capability to enhance lactic acid fermentations.