Enterobacteria associated with grass and silages

Abstract

Enterobacteria were isolated from grass and silages and identified by the API 20E system. The effects of various ensiling treatments on their numbers and types were determined. The enterobacteria appear to follow a pattern of succession. Erwinia herbicola and Rahnella aquitilis dominated on fresh grass but after ensiling were rapidly superseded by Hafnia alvei , and finally Escherichia coli. Serratia fonticola may appear early on if the pH falls very rapidly.