A simulation model of the microbiological and chemical changes accompanying the initial stage of aerobic deterioration of silage

Crass and Forage Science (1990) Volume 45, - 165 A simulation model of the microbiological and chemical changes accompanying the initial stage of aerobic deterioration of silage the phase between opening of the silo and feeding the silage to the animal Silage exposed to air after a period of anaerobic storage shows large differences in susceptibility to aerobic spoilage Aerobic deterioration is a microbial process carried out by aerobic microorganisms that cannot proliferate in the anaerobic environment of a sealed silo (Honig and Woolford, 1980) The growth of these organisms commonly results in a rise in pH and temperature, and the disappearance of fermentation acids The losses in dry matter (DM), and hence nutritional value that accompany aerobic deterioration, can be up to 3O