SILAGE INVESTIGATIONS AT BANGALORE                         269

is but natural the constituents show less loss in the lower bags than in the upper
ones. SO₃ alone is rather peculiar. Considerable losses are noticed in the slowly
filled pits, while large gains are evident in the rapidly filled ones, probably due
to reasons already adduced above. However, it has to be remembered that only
sulphate sulphur was determined and most if not all of the organic sulphur might
have escaped, undetermined. It has also to be pointed out, that, while in the last
experiment, under conditions of filling similar to those of pit 1, a gain of SO₃ was
noticed, the present experiment reveals a loss on ensilage.

Barring pit 4, which shows a gain in all items owing to the cause already set
out, all the others show losses of varying degree in P₂O₅, CaO and MgO. They all
show gain in the alkalis owing to the leaching action. These being the most soluble
components would be the first to be affected. This is also evident from the fact
that the upper bags show losses in the case of pits 1 and 2, while the lower ones
show large gains. Pit 3, owing to the fact that greater leaching has taken place
even from the very top, shows a gain in both bags, though it is less in the upper
than in the lower one.

                                              SUMMARY.

The effect of varying the conditions of ensilage on the resultant product was
studied. There was little difference in the quality of the silage produced though
conditions of filling varied considerably. " Acid Brown " silage of good quality,
with slight variations in acidity in the different pits, was produced.

The maximum temperature recorded varied between 36°C and 47.8°C.

The losses of dry matter and organic matter noticed, agree with the results of
Amos and Woodman and Annett and Aiyer.

Changes in the proteins, ether extract, carbohydrates and minerals were
studied.

It has been noticed that extensive decomposition of true protein takes place
with a large increase of "Amides ", owing to the production of considerable quan-
tities of volatile bases and amino acids. The ratio of the former to the latter
was less than unity, thus confirming the work of the English workers. The large
increase in volatile bases, along with the production of good silage, also supports
the work in India.

Very large quantities of organic acids, both volatile and non-volatile, have been
developed as the result of ensilage. The ratio of the former to the latter is greater
than unity, thereby supporting the past observations in India.

Carbohydrate losses, both as nitrogen free extractives and as crude fibre,
show higher figures than the last experiment at Bangalore but agree fairly well
with those of Amos and Woodman.