The formation of volatile N-nitrosamines in kikuyu grass silage

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) often contains high levels of nitrate and other NPN compounds. During silage fermentation it is likely that nitrosamines are formed which are well known carcinogens. An investigation on kikuyu silage confirmed the presence of at least two nitrosamines while similar analyses performed on maize silage were negative.