Effect of 2,2′-dipyridyl on silage fermentation

The fermentation of grass can be altered by the addition of 2,2′-dipyridyl so that a lactic acid fermentation occurs rather than a putrefying fermentation (butyric acid fermentation). The combined addition of 2,2′-dipyridyl and inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum is even more favourable and results in high quality silage. 2,2′-Dipyridyl is too toxic for general use, but the results of laboratory-scale studies suggest that other sequestrants of iron(II) ions warrant further research with respect to their capability to enhance lactic acid fermentations.