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Acrylic acid and sodium acrylate as additives for silage

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. F. Wilson
Affiliation:
Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR, Berkshire
M. K. Woolford
Affiliation:
Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR, Berkshire
J. E. Cook
Affiliation:
Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR, Berkshire
J. M. Wilkinson
Affiliation:
Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5LR, Berkshire

Summary

Perennial ryegrass, lucerne and maize were ensiled for 100 days in polythene-bag silos without additive or after the addition of aorylic acid at 0·125, 0·25 and 0·50% of fresh crop weight, sodium acrylate at 0·165, 0·33 and 0·66% of fresh crop weight and formic and propionic acid at 0·25% of fresh crop weight.

Both acrylic acid and sodium acrylate were effective in restricting fermentation and protein breakdown in the silo. At 0·25% acrylic acid and the corresponding rate of sodium acrylate (0·33%) they were more effective in restricting fermentation than formic or propionic acids at 0·25%. At all rates of application they were effective in preventing deterioration of maize silage exposed to air for 13 days but not with ryegrass. Lucerne silages made both with and without additives were stable when exposed to air.

It is suggested that because of its non-volatility and non-corrosive properties sodium acrylate has advantages over the additives at present available.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1979

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