The effect of some additives on aerobic deterioration of silages

Two experiments are described. In the first, formic acid was applied alone and in combination with isovaleric, caproic or lauric acid to wilted herbage prior to ensiling. The effects of these treatments on the deterioration of silages on exposure to air over a 7 day period were measured. Temperature increase, chemical and microbiological changes were determined. Silages treated with formic acid alone deteriorated, while the untreated control silages were relatively stable. The formic acid treated silages containing either isovaleric or caproic acid remained stable over the 7 day aerobic period. In the second experiment, in addition to the previous treatments, formaldehyde was also included in place of formic acid. In this case, only the untreated control silages deteriorated markedly over the 7 day period.