Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them
With all of the variables – crop varieties, weather, packing density, speed of covering – no two silage crops are ever the same, which is why scientists are reluctant to give blanket statements regarding when and how to use silage inoculants. A more favorable and scientific response is, “It depends.”
Through the years, research has answered some questions about the effect of silage inoculants under various
Microbial Inoculants for Silage
by Francisco Contreras-Govea and Richard Muck
Introduction
Ensiling is an important means to preserve forage quality. Although silage fermentation occurs naturally under anaerobic conditions due to the native bacteria on plants, the speed and efficiency of the fermentation (pH drop) is variable, depending on the numbers and types of lactic acid bacteria on the crop. The speed of pH drop affects the amount of sugar used by bacteria; the preservation of true
