Co-Authors:
Weinberg, Z.G., Agricultural Research Organization, Department of Food Science, Forage Preservation and By-Products Research Unit, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
Ensiling is a method of moist forage preservation whereby lactic acids bacteria (LAB) ferment water-soluble carbohydrates to organic acids, mainly lactic acid, under anaerobic conditions. As a result, the pH decreases, inhibiting detrimental anaerobes, and so the moist forage is preserved. This is actually lactic acid solid-state fermentation of forage crops. It is similar to the fermentation which takes place during making of sauerkraut. This chapter briefly describes biochemical, microbiological and technological aspects of ensiling. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.