Potential Determinants of Spp. Occurrence in Polish Silage.

INTRODUCTION

Silage quality deteriorates with spp. contamination, and if consumed, such silage jeopardises herd health and productivity. Minimising its occurrence reduces economic and animal welfare risks. The study investigated the influence of environmental and technological determinants on the genus' occurrence in silage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analyses were conducted on 305 silage samples directly collected from farms located in all Polish provinces. Cultures and isolates were evaluated phenotypically and examined for occurrence of spp., particularly and using PCR techniques. The results were statistically analysed using the ᵡ test for continuous and Student's -test for non-continuous values.

RESULTS

The most influential effect on spp. occurrence is exerted by factors potentially associated with primary production, like the type of fertilisation and the contamination level of the ensiled feed material. spp. was detected in 232 (76%) samples, and strains, predominantly toxinotype A, in 79 (26%). occurrence was not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Deterioration of silage by clostridia could be prevented by a properly conducted ensiling process with the addition of starter cultures, but the presence of spores mainly depends on primary production and the extent of contamination of the feed material.