METHODS OF ENSILING ALGAE, ENSILED ALGAE AND USES OF ENSILED ALGAE

摘要

Methods of ensiling macroalgae, ensiled macroalgae and uses thereof are disclosed. One method involves determining whether a macroalgae species supports an epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB)population sufficient to support a fermentation process under anoxic conditions that will lower the pH of the macroalgae effectively enough to ensile the macroalgae species. If it does so support such an epiphytic population of LAB, the method comprises storing harvested macroalgae of that species under conditions that are or will become anoxic to ensile the harvested macroalgae. Optionally, the method includes treating the harvested macroalgae prior to storage with an additive of an inoculant comprising at least one species of LAB capable of contributing to lowering the pH of the macroalgae under the storage conditions used and/or an additive of one or more enzymes capable of releasing soluble sugars from complex carbohydrates. Alternatively, the method involves treating harvested macroalgae with an additive capable of lowering the pH of the macroalgae effectively enough to ensile the harvested macroalgae under anoxic conditions and storing the treated macroalgae under conditions that are or will become anoxic to ensile the harvested macroalgae. In this instance, the additive may be an inoculant of at least one species of LAB capable of contributing to lowering the pH of the macroalgae under the storage conditions used, optionally in combination with an additive of one or more enzymes capable of releasing soluble sugars from complex carbohydrates,or the additive may be an acid or acid salt for effecting a substantially immediate pH reduction in the harvested material. Angiosperm plant material may be mixed with the harvested macroalgae as an additive when rich with epiphytic populations of LAB or as a co-silage component. Ensiled macroalgae and uses thereof as feedstock for human or livestock consumption or bioprocesses or as a soil conditioner or fertiliser or are also described.