Inhibition of clostridial growth by nitrate during the early phase of silage fermentation

Abstract

Abstract Clostridial activity and nitrate‐reduction during ensiling were monitored in laboratory experiments. Wilted and unwilted grass with different amounts of natural or added nitrate were ensiled. Nitrate, probably by its reduction products nitrite and nitric oxide, prevented clostridial growth during the phase of acidification. In nitrate‐free grass clostridial activity started immediately after ensiling. When ensiling nitrate‐containing grass clostridia did not grow as long as nitrate was present.