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Vacuum packing: a model system for laboratory-scale silage fermentations.
H E Johnson1, R J Merry, D R Davies
1Institute of Biological Sciences, Cledwyn Building, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|December 22, 2004
Summary
Vacuum-packed polythene bags offer a cost-effective alternative for lab-scale silage studies, mimicking fermentation in glass vessels. This method allows for flexible packing densities, providing a realistic model system for silage evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Traditional lab-scale silage studies often utilize fixed-volume glass vessels.
- These methods can be inflexible and costly for high-throughput sample analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vacuum-packed polythene bags as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to glass vessels for lab-scale silage studies.
- To assess the impact of variable packing densities on silage fermentation within vacuum-packed systems.
Main Methods:
- Perennial ryegrass and red clover were ensiled in both glass tubes and vacuum-packed polythene bags for 35 days.
- Fermentation was assessed via pH measurement.
- The effect of four different initial packing densities (0.397–0.534 g cm⁻³) on silage fermentation was studied over 16 days in vacuum-packed bags.
Main Results:
- Similar fermentation patterns, indicated by pH, were observed in both glass and vacuum-packed silos over 35 days.
- Varying vacuum settings (packing densities) significantly influenced pH decline and lactate accumulation.
- Gas accumulation was evident in all bags, with volume changes correlating to initial packing density.
Conclusions:
- Vacuum-packed silos serve as a realistic and effective model system for lab-scale silage fermentation studies.
- This method offers advantages including higher sample throughput, consistent packing, and the ability to investigate packing density effects and material variations.