I remember reading cautions on all the threads I subscribe to about the need for fermented feed to "off gas" and to not put lids on tightly, even when covering the feed with water. Submerging the feed is one of the ways to ferment and is not inherently wrong, just one of the many ways. Tight lids are a bad idea, whether the feed is submerged in water or oatmeal consistency. I put a pillow case over my bucket & it works great for off gassing and keeping the dog out of it. (No, he is NOT very food-driven!)![]()
Good point! The anaerobic method is what I'm using. I'm well aware of what can happen, so my feed is covered with an over-sized lid. Working great now for about 2 weeks.![]()
But, don't you see? "Anaerobic" is the method that everyone using FF is doing...it's the only method of fermentation because LABs and all the other yeasts are anaerobes. Whether you cover it with water or not, you are getting the exact same fermentation as everyone else, barring variation of the types of yeast spores in your particular area.
Covering with water is not a form or "method" of fermentation, it's just an unnecessary step in what will result in fermentation whether you cover it with water or not...there are not two different types of fermentation going on. There is just fermentation of grains....and that's all.
I know where you learned that information and that method the people are very convincing and persuasive but they've got their wires crossed somehow and folks are just following it as if they were the authority on fermentation. They aren't, I'm not...but I can read and the info posted above on how anaerobes metabolize is pretty clear, though that blog site seems intent on muddying it enough that everyone believes they have to have water over the feed to get LAB fermentation going on.
We are all getting LAB fermentation, water over the feed or not, lid on or not, so taking extra steps to "insure" you are only getting LAB fermentation is just unnecessary and that's something I've been trying to explain since that blog site started over complicating a simple procedure.