Effects of Different Bulk Densities on Zea mays Silage Characteristics, Temperature Profiles, CO2-and O2- Concentrations in Small Scale Silos during Aerobic Exposure
K. H. Jungbluth, G.-C. Maack, W. Büscher, L. Menghua, C. Hong, C. Qiang and Y. Sun
Full Length Research Paper I Published December,2016
Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology
ABSTRACT
In this study, effects of different bulk densities on the
Maize (Zea mays) silage characteristics, temperature,
CO2- and O2- gases in small silos
during the aerobic exposure were investigated. The method
described in Jungbluth et al. (2016) was used. For this, 8
buckets (65.3 l) were filled with 40 kg FM (218.7 kg DM m-3;
n=4) or 50 kg FM (273.4 kg DM m-3; n=4) of maize
silage. Temperature was measured to observe heating
resulting from microbial activity. Similarly, gas samples
were taken and analyzed by gas chromatography during
reheating. Reheating was observed in every bucket.
Temperature increases were higher (p=0.05) in the
low-density treatment. Gas measurements showed CO2
flowing out and O2 diffusing into the
buckets after opening. 24 h later, CO2
concentrations reached their minimum when O2
values reached their maximum. The CO2 minimum was
followed by an increase in concentration, whereas O2
concentrations decreased. The reason for this change,
happening immediately before reheating started, is microbial
respiration, consuming O2 and producing CO2.
The reheating process had no effect on the nutrient
categories, crude ash, crude fibre, crude fat, neutral
detergent fibre (aNDFom), and starch or on the pH value.
Higher crude protein and metabolizable energy content(s)
were found in the high-density treatment after reheating and
dry matter losses between 0.58 and 4.38% were found and were
tendentially higher in the low-density treatment. Therefore
in agricultural practice it is recommended to reach high
bulk densities in silage to preserve staple feed and it´s
quality.
Key Words:
Maize (Zea mays) Silage, Oxygen Induced
Deterioration, Density and Reheating.
- Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology (JASFT)
- Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research (JMBSR)
- Journal of Scientific Research and Essays (JSRE)
- Research Journal of Educational Studies and Review (RJESR)
- Journal of Physical Science and Environmental Studies (JPSES)
- Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (RJET)
- Pearl Journal of Management, Social Science and Humanities (PJMSSH)