Effect of Acidifiers on Microbial Flora and Fermentation Characteristics in High Dry Matter Grass Silages

Perennial ryegrass was ensiled in 1-L laboratory jars after adding formic acid or sulphuric acid to evaluate the effects of acidifiers on DM loss, acidification, microflora and fermentation characteristics. Jars were 1 L Weck glass jars with 106 days storage period. Results showed that addition of formic acid or sulphuric acid significantly suppressed normal lactic acid fermentation, reduced the yield of fermentation products and remarkably decreased nutrients loss during the ensiling.