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The quality of silage depends on the fermentation process in the silo (by lactic acid-producing bacteria). Nowadays, silage additives have entered the market that can work to better preserve the product. Silage additives contain anaerobic lactic acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria work by rapidly producing amounts of lactic acid and changing the fermentation process of the silage to preserve the quality of the silage. Of course, it is worth noting that two types of silage are never the same depending on the conditions (types of product, weather, packing density, coating speed).

Silage additives: homofermentative and heterofermentative

Silage additive bacteria are divided into 2 general categories (heterofermentative, homofermentative). Of course, based on activity and necessity of use, bacteria can be divided into the following 3 categories. According to research, the best answer can be obtained if there is a combination of all 3 types.

Starters (hemofermentatives), usually Enterococcus faecium or Pediococcus, protect silage protein from clostridial contamination by rapidly reducing the pH from 7 to 4 within 48 hours.

Hemofermentative bacteria, usually Lactobacillus plantarum, can convert soluble sugars into lactic acid, which is the main mechanism in silage making.

Heterofermentative bacteria, which are Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus kefir, or Lactobacillus buchneri, can convert some of the lactic acid in silage to acetic acid, which is important in maintaining the aerobic stability of the silage. A recently used heterofermentative bacterium is Lactobacillus buchneri.

Homofermenters mean that they convert 6-carbon sugar molecules into only one product (lactic acid), but heterofermenters produce multiple products. For example, they might convert a 6-carbon sugar into a lactic acid + an acetic acid + carbon dioxide (CO2). Or convert a 6-carbon sugar into a lactic acid + an ethanol + CO2. Or convert a lactic acid into an acetic acid + CO2.

The best silage additive

So the type of additive to use depends to some extent on the goal. If you want to maintain the quality of the product as close as possible to the quality of the product before ensiling, use an additive that maximizes lactic acid production (a homofermenter). If the goal is to prevent silage from heating, use an additive that produces acetic acid, which is the heterofermenter L. buchneri.

L.buchneri is a recent solution for a heterofermentative strain of L. buchneri that produces acetic acid from both sugar and lactic acid. Studies have shown that silages containing L. buchneri were more aerobically stable than silages without the silage additive. This stability is due to the acetic acid, which inhibits the growth of yeasts and molds. In terms of dry matter loss, silages containing L. buchneri were intermediate between no silage additive and the use of a homofermentative silage additive (Silo Plus).

According to research, silage additives respond best when a combination of all three bacterial groups is present, for example, starter bacteria can be activated at pH 6.5 and start producing lactic acid, Plantarum can continue the fermentation process alongside Pedicoccus, and Buchneri can help maintain aerobic stability of the silage.

Storage conditions

Generally store in a cool, dry place. Do not use chlorinated water to dilute additives, unless the chlorine level is less than 1 ppm or the additive contains chemicals to take care of the chlorine.

Good management: the most effective way to reduce dry matter and energy losses in silage

Readily available carbohydrates, such as energy-rich sugars, disappear at a higher rate than fiber or protein. Therefore, when dry matter losses are high, in addition to less forage to feed, the quality of the silage will be lower. Additives are a tool to reduce 2-3% of dry matter waste, thus contributing to the reduction of losses. However, they have their greatest impact on losses when used in conjunction with good silage management practices.

Therefore, the use of Silo Plus (which contains starter, homofermentative and heterofermentative bacteria) along with proper management can produce good quality, low waste silage that not only prevents losses, but also provides the farmer with many times the benefit of its cost.

Translation and compilation: Sahar Karimi