The non-protein nitrogen composition of grass silages: II. The changes occurring during the storage of silage

Abstract

SUMMARYThe nitrogenous composition of the water soluble fraction of maturing grass silage was investigated in detail. Empirical methods of group analysis demonstrated the complete absence of water soluble proteins, and that the major changes, involving the formation of amino acids and volatile amines, were completed within the first 2 months of ensiling. These methods were unable to account for a high proportion of the soluble nitrogen. Changes occurring within the soluble carbohydrate and volatile fatty acid fractions indicated that while secondary fermentations occurred some 8 months after ensiling they did not have any marked influence on the nitrogenous components.A detailed analysis of the individual components of the nitrogenous fraction was undertaken using both conventional methods of ion exchange chromatography and techniques developed especially for this purpose (see Hughes, 1969). Selective degradation of the amino acids liberated by the proteolysis of the grass proteins occurred. The volatile basic nitrogen content was comprised of ammonia. The non-volatile amine fraction, which accounted for a considerable proportion of the soluble nitrogen, was mainly composed of putrescine and cadaverine. There was no free histamine and only low concentrations of bound histamine were found. Evidence suggested that these amines were being further metabolized during the storage of the silage.