THE ACIDITY OF CORN SILAGE. 115 



THE ACIDITY OF CORN SILAGE. 



FRED W. MORSE. 



For several years, whenever there was an opportunity, the 

 Department of Chemistry has pursued the study of the acids 

 in silage. The total acids were determined at frequent inter- 

 vals during- several seasons, and the nature of the acids studied 

 as much as was possible in the time. 



To determine the total acids, a sample of silage fresh from 

 the silo, weighing from lOO to 500 grams was macerated with 

 sterilized water for several hours in the cold. The water was 

 then filtered and the acid determined in an aliquot of the 

 whole, by titration with standard alkali, and the percentage, 

 for convenience, calculated as acetic acid. 



The silage was cut in the customary lengths of three 

 fourths of an inch. 



The results obtained in different seasons and with different 

 varieties are given in the following table. 



Total Acids in Co7'n Silage. 



Sanford corn, crop of 1S95. 



Six daily samples, December 17 to 24, 1895 : 



Average ..... 1.05% acetic acid. 



Highest . . . . .1.23% 



Lowest ..... .96% 





Six samples, January 15 to February 5, 1896: 



Average . . . . . 1.12% acetic acid. 



Highest . . . . .1.32% *' 



Lowest 80% *' 



One sample April 3, 1S96 . . 1.33% " 



Four samples, December 7-1 8, 1896, i year old. 



Average ^-54% acetic acid. 



