Preservation of Grass for Winter-feeding by Radiation Sterilization

Abstract

IN the course of investigations on microbial decomposition of grass carried out at Hurley by one of us (E. G.), a method of sterilization was sought which would not alter appreciably the chemical and physical structure of grass. Ionizing radiation gave the most promising results. It was then decided to explore the possibilities of preserving grass for winter-feeding on a purely experimental basis by this method. A preliminary account by Grossbard et al.¹ was published in 1957. Radiation sterilization of meat, dairy products, grain and other materials has been studied extensively. The results have been reviewed by Hannan², Comar³ and others.