Pearl millet does not produce prussic acid. Toxic levels of prussic acid are likely to occur immediately after a killing frost or in the tender young growth of plants immediately after a drought. Herbicides, particularly 2, 4-D, may also temporarily increase levels of prussic acid. To avoid problems, wait to harvest these crops until they sufficiently mature. After a killing frost, wait a week before harvesting.
Bacterial inoculants are probably the most common additives in the United States.
Enzyme additives usually degrade plant cell walls and sometimes starch. Substrate sources are primarily sugars, such as molasses, glucose, sucrose and dextrose that also provide additional substrate for lactic acid-producing bacteria. Silage inhibitors have frequently been used in extremely wet silages produced in northern Europe, where drying conditions are often poor. These products, such as formic, propionic, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, are primarily organic acids that effectively sterilize the silage. Back To Top Summary 1.