Levels of biogenic amines in maize silages

Seven biogenic amines (BAs) and polyamines were determined in 113 maize silages sampled from farm large-capacity silos 6–8 weeks after filling and sealing the silos. Amines were quantified as N-benzamides by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Mean dry matter (DM) contents of silages were 449±62 and 378±56 g/kg in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Tyramine (TY), putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD) and spermidine were present in all samples, while tryptamine (TR), spermine (SPM) and histamine (HI) were detected only in a part of silages at very low levels. Mean tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine contents were 482, 98, 48 and 17 mg/kg and 145, 136, 96 and 38 mg/kg in silages produced in 1999 and 2000, respectively. However, wide variations occurred. Possible effects on silage palatability and ruminants health are discussed.