Grass and Legume Silage Studies using 2–Quart Glass Jars as Miniature Silos

Abstract

The use of 2-quart glass jars as miniature silos offers a convenient technic for studies in silage preservation. Using pH values as a measure of desirable fermentation, 60 lbs. of molasses and 100 lbs. of hominy feed, respectively, were equally effective as preservatives. Silages with straw added, and that wilted plus no preservative were well preserved and of good quality, but were somewhat inferior to those in which preservatives were used. There was no destruction of carotene in any of the silages up to 30 days following ensiling, an actual increase being noted in most cases. The development of acidity was more rapid in the unwilted than in the wilted silages, and even after 170 days some of the wilted silages were still increasing in acidity. This characteristic was especially noticeable in the alfalfa group. Evidently the fermentation changes which occur in 2-quart glass jar silos are similar to those which occur in commercial silos.