POSSIBLE WAYS OF AFFECTING BIOGENIC-AMINE CONTENT IN SILAGES

During silage making partial protein decomposition to peptides and amino acids is likely to occur. In the case of imperfect silage preservation these acids are further decomposed to volatile fatty acids and biogenic amines. With respect to amino acid composition of plant proteins, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine and tryptamine are the most common amines observed. These substances exercise a negative influence on health and physical condition of livestock. A synergic effect of amines and other substances leads to decreased rumen motility. Amines have a deleterious influence on ruminal and intestinal mucous membranes. Amine detoxication causes liver and kidney damage. Negative physiological effects of biogenic amines together with their bad affecting of silage palatability result in depression of livestock performance. The influence of plant age, silage age and way of preservation on silage amine content was observed in oat silages made from plants supplied with fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The concentration of amines in silages of good quality did not usually exceed 0.1%, in poor quality silages their percent concentration exceeded 0.1% of fresh silage. Biogenic amine concentration in silages can be reduced by maintaining the anaerobic conditions during silage making and storage. Very important is also elevated dry matter content in plants ensiled. The amine content is affected to a lesser extent by the age of silage and especially by the way of plant fertilization.