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Modified Laboratory Silo Unit for Studying the Fermentation of Corn (Zea mays L.) Grain 1
Author(s) -
Danley Michael M.,
Vetter R. L.,
Wedin W. F.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1973.00021962006500040028x
Subject(s) - silo , dry matter , dry ice , carbon dioxide , chemistry , nitrogen , zea mays , agronomy , fermentation , formic acid , zoology , food science , biology , chromatography , organic chemistry
Four experiments were conducted to evaulate a modified laboratory silo apparatus. The design of the laboratory system is such that the effects of light, temperature, and pressure on fermentation can be studied simultaneously or independently. Temperature within the thermostatically controlled cabinet varied 0.5 with no cooling mechanism, regardless of temperature setting. Air pressure was maintained with a 4.32 g/cm 2 differential. Evolved carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases from fermentation were flushed into absorption bottles by a circulating‐gas system, eliminating the complex syphon system used in the previously reported Minnesota silo unit. Carbon dioxide evolution was directly related to dry matter and nitrogen loss in all experiments (r = .83 and r = .84, respectively). A direct relationship also existed between dry matter and nitrogen loss (r = .73). Large losses of dry matter and nitrogen occurred when reconstituted shelled corn ( Zea mays L.) was ensiled under aerobic conditions. Formic acid significantly (P<.05) reduced dry matter, total nitrogen, and gaseous losses.