Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Fodders rich in soluble carbohydrates are most suitable for ensiling.
Reason (R): High butyric acid content in silage reduces its palatability.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

To check the connection: "Carbohydrate-rich fodders are suitable for silage *because* butyric acid reduces palatability." This statement is illogical. The correct explanation would be: "...*because* lactic acid bacteria ferment soluble sugars to produce preserving lactic acid."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ensiling (silage making) is a green fodder preservation method based on anaerobic fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This process requires specific biochemical conditions to ensure high-quality preservation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:

Assertion (A): High-quality silage requires a rapid drop in pH to below 4.2 to inhibit spoilage organisms.
Lactic acid bacteria require water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC, such as glucose and fructose) to ferment and produce lactic acid.
Therefore, fodders rich in soluble carbohydrates (such as maize and sorghum) are highly suitable for ensiling, as they undergo rapid, successful preservation. Thus, Assertion (A) istrue.

Reason (R): If green fodder has insufficient carbohydrates or is harvested with excess moisture, anaerobic clostridial bacteria dominate the fermentation instead of LAB.
Clostridia ferment amino acids and lactic acid into butyric acid, which has an offensive, rancid odor.
High butyric acid levels indicate poor fermentation and significantly reduce the palatability of the silage. Thus, Reason (R) istrue.

Connection: While both statements are true, the reason is not the explanation for the assertion.
Carbohydrate-rich fodders are suitable because they support lactic acid production, not because of butyric acid characteristics.
Therefore, both statements are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B).