Ensiling Agent Formulation for Silage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ensiling agents for forage, such as Promyr NF and Kofasil Ultra, face issues with stability upon opening, toxicity, and the presence of hexamine, which can lead to corrosive effects and potential allergic reactions, while also failing to provide adequate protection against Clostridia and fungi.
Innovation Solution
An ensiling agent comprising sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate, with specific weight percentages, is used to promote lactic acid production, inhibit undesirable microorganisms, and enhance storage stability without hexamine and excessive sodium nitrite, reducing toxicity and corrosion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Promyr NF is used as ensiling agent, then pH is lowered rapidly, but stability upon opening is poor and corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite ensiling agent containing multiple substances (formic acid, propionic acid, sodium formiate, and other components) that work synergistically. This composite formulation provides both rapid pH lowering and stable protection against Clostridia and fungi, resolving the contradiction between fast acidification and stability upon opening.
2Reliability
If Kofasil Ultra is used as ensiling agent, then Clostridia growth is inhibited, but hexamine causes toxicity and allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hexamine from the ensiling agent formulation while retaining effective Clostridia inhibition through alternative components (formic acid, propionic acid, and their salts). This extraction of the harmful substance eliminates toxicity and allergic reactions while maintaining the protective function against Clostridia.
3Reliability
If high sodium nitrite concentration is used, then Clostridia growth is suppressed, but animal toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using formic acid and propionic acid along with their sodium salts, which provide effective Clostridia suppression at lower, safer concentrations compared to high sodium nitrite. This parameter change maintains biological effectiveness while reducing animal toxicity.
4Speed
If Promyr NF is used, then pH is lowered quickly, but no additional protection against Clostridia and fungi is provided upon opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional ensiling agent where formic acid, propionic acid, and their salts simultaneously provide rapid pH lowering, Clostridia inhibition, and fungal protection. This universal formulation delivers multiple protective functions in a single application, resolving the limitation of Promyr NF.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed ensiling agent achieves lower pH levels, reduced ammonia nitrogen, higher lactic acid concentrations, and improved aerobic stability, effectively inhibiting Clostridia and yeast growth, resulting in higher-quality silage with extended storage stability and reduced toxicity risks.
Implementation Method 1
Silage is achieved by lactic acid creating bacteria, which are growing when the forage is stored air-tight and thus pH is decreased.
Implementation Method 2
An ensiling agent available on the market is Promyr NF that is marketed by Perstorp Speciality Chemicals AB. Promyr NF is an acidic composition containing formic acid and propionic acid and salts of organic acids, such as sodium formiate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ensiling agent for forage, as well as a method for ensiling forage by adding said ensiling agent to forage.