Energy changes during ensilage

Abstract

Abstract The energy changes occurring during ensilage have been examined using a theoretical model with data calculated from known biochemical pathways. Results of a laboratory experiment in which five grasses were ensiled in triplicate confirm that energy is recoverable in an anaerobic system in spite of gaseous losses in the form of CO 2 . These changes have a concentrating effect upon the gross energy value of silage. The importance of this increase in energy concentration is discussed.