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A novel system for monitoring the influence of oxygen tension on the microflora of grass silage
Author(s) -
Donald Sheila,
Fenlon D. R.,
Seddon B.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.1993.tb01459.x
Subject(s) - silage , listeria monocytogenes , food science , oxygen , biology , bacteria , chemistry , agronomy , zoology , environmental science , genetics , organic chemistry
A novel method was devised to examine the effect of low concentrations of oxygen on microbial populations in grass silage, as reflected by the aerobic stability of the product. The aim of this system was to simulate the micro‐aerobic conditions which influence the selective multiplication of the indigenous microflora of grass silage, particularly in situations where the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes has already established. Ensiled grass in laboratory silos was flushed with a regulated flow of premixed gases of varying oxygen concentrations at regular intervals. The silos could be individually removed periodically in the ensiling process without disturbing the integrity of the system. The ensiled grass was then examined for microbial content, with specific interest given to the effect on L. monocytogenes.