Evaluation of the changes in microbial composition in farm conditions during aerobic stability using thermal camera imaging technique

The main purpose of the research is to determine whether Thermal Camera Imaging Technique can be used as a reliable and practical means of measurement tool about the extent of spoilage occurred in silage during the aerobic period. The aerobic stability (silo process) is defined as the length of time that silage remains cool and does not spoil after it is exposed to air. Aerobic stability is a complex process where microbial composition of the ensiled product, properties of fermentation, silage mass temperature and silage density affect the intensity of the loss that may occur. The evaluation of silage quality through microbiological and chemical analyses during the feeding period requires qualified staff, equipment and laboratory as well as being expensive and time consuming. Physical analysis alone is often not sufficient to determine the degree of deterioration in forage. The research was carried out in a silage plant in the city of Tekirdağ. For this purpose, the surface area of the overlying silo is divided into 3 sampling regions (right, middle and left region). Temperature values and ambient temperature in each zone were measured and recorded through temperature sensors for 40 days. Analysis regarding chemical and microbiological parameters was carried out on silage samples taken from 3 different fixed points of the silo at the 0th, 4th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 40th days of the study. At the same time, the Fluke Ti9 IR (160x120) thermal imaging camera was used at a distance of 1 meter to record imaging from constant points in the silo surface and thus the result assessment was ascertained. The data obtained are then evaluated in the SmartView®software program. As a result, it was determined in this study that the values regarding thermal camera imaging technique and temperature sensors were parallel. In addition, it was concluded that the thermal imager can be used as a practical method in the field conditions to determine the dimensions of deterioration in the early period of aerobic stability and to improve the silage management.