Antimicrobial effects of mineral acids, organic acids, salts and sterilizing agents in relation to their potential as silage additives

Abstract

Abstract Mineral acids, organic acids, salts and sterilizing agents were tested against a range of microorganisms at pH 4, 5 and 6. The antimicrobial spectra obtained revealed that hydrochloric, orthophosphoric, sulphuric and glycollic acids have no specific antimicrobial properties and merely function as acidifying agents. Acrylic acid, sulphamic acid and sodium formaldehyde bisulphite would apparently encourage a lactic acid‐type fermentation by suppressing the growth of butyric acid‐producing microorganisms. Chlorine dioxide and sodium metabisulphite are both antibacterial and of potential value for restricting silage fermentation Ammonium isobutyrate might find application in the production of a conventional fermented silage which is stable on exposure to air; it would appear particularly suited to silage made from wilted material. Sodium chloride apparently had no potential as a silage additive.