Impact of Innovative Films Used for the Production of Silage on Biochemical and Microbial Product Qualities

Abstract

The production of silage is carried out in cylindrical bales covered with polyethylene foils. In this study, a novel approach was tested towards obtaining an innovative composition of these films. In the first stage of the experiment, different additives, including microcellulose and nanosilver particles, were analyzed. The second stage was aimed at testing the applicability of recycled polyethylene as a film component. The forage value after ensiling was assessed during storage. In order to evaluate the microbial forage quality, the abundance of lactic acid bacteria was determined and compared with the number of aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds. The foil properties were also analyzed with the appropriate chemical and microbiological methods. The results showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the standard commercial films and tested formulae. In the second stage, obtained results suggested that the film with the addition of nanosilver may be successfully used in agriculture.