Discover how new data on dry matter intakes busts the myth about inoculants in first cut silage. Are they necessary even in favourable harvesting conditions? Find out here.
Forget what you’ve heard about the need for inoculants in harvesting. Recent data on the dry matter intakes (DMIs) of first cut silage has debunked the myth that inoculants aren’t necessary when harvesting conditions are favorable. A crucial study conducted by Lallemand Animal Nutrition in collaboration with the Reading University’s Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), centered on the use of their Magniva Platinum 3 inoculant, has proven otherwise.
The research showcased a daily DMI increase of 1.5kg in first cut silage when compared with forage that was untreated. Global Category Manager for Magniva, Luis Queiros highlights that silage inoculants remain vital in the production and preservation of high-quality silage, irrespective of weather conditions. “Why risk your biggest silage yield by not treating it?’’ Queiros asks, challenging traditional notions. He continues, “Some producers will only consider using silage inoculants if the growing conditions are less than ideal, perhaps wet or during a when it is drought. However, using a product that is specific to whatever that challenge might be is vital to producing quality silage and to driving animal performance, even under perfect weather conditions.’’
“Unlock the treasure in your silage by treating all silages at all times” – Luis Queiros, Global Category Manager for Magniva
Good weather conditions during growing season can result in higher sugar and protein values in forages, thus maximizing yields. However, there’s also the risk that forages may be drier than usual. While higher dry matters and sugar levels can improve cow performance, it also makes the silage more susceptible to spoilage organisms during the fermentation process. Higher protein levels can likewise buffer the crop, complicating the fermentation process.
So, how do we tackle this issue? Queiros advises, “to retain these values and avoid spoilage, the pH of the silage needs to be lowered as quickly as possible. That is what a good inoculant does.” This is because the bacteria predominantly found in silage inoculants produce lactic acid which lowers the pH protein levels thereby preserving sugar and,. Failure to do so can lead to rapid spoilage.
Furthermore, forages with a high sugar content also necessitate an inoculant capable of controlling spoilage organisms like mold and yeast, that grow during the fermentation period. Hence, when we open the clamp or bales for feeding to the stock, the yeast levels in high sugar silages can increase rapidly as they use the sugar as a food source.
Spoilage doesn’t just waste precious resources; it can also pose a health risk. Molds, a source of mycotoxins, are harmful chemicals produced by fungi. Fortunately, the Magniva Platinum range has proven to significantly reduce yeast and mold spoilage.
During the trial, it was observed that Magniva Platinum 3 notably preserved more energy and nutrients by keeping the silage cool. There was an 8°C difference in the peak temperature reached between treated and untreated forages. This translates to an additional 28mj of energy wasted per tonne of fresh weight silage. If weather conditions are volatile, the argument for using an inoculant becomes even stronger. Wet ground, narrow harvesting windows, low dry matter forages, and increased soil contamination are all risks that an inoculant helps mitigate.
To cap it off, the Magniva range of inoculants are designed and independently proven to drive fermentation efficiently, regardless of conditions. To ensure the best possible results from your silage, always opt to use an inoculant. Luis’ advice to farmers couldn’t be clearer: unlock the treasure in your silage by treating all silages, at all times.
Understanding the Role of Inoculants in First Cut Silage
If you’ve ever worked on harvesting silage, you’re likely familiar with the uncertainty that comes with managing fermentation – that crucial process which, if not done right, can offset your total silage investment. So, let’s talk about the game-changer: Inoculants
These smart farming aids work by housing bacteria that streamline your silage fermentation. Think of them as the master conductors of a symphony, guiding the ensemble towards a musical masterpiece; except here, the symphony is your silage, and the masterpiece is optimal preservation.
Inoculants contain microorganisms and enzymes that steer the silage’s fermentation process towards a healthy, productive pattern. They’re especially potent on grasses, alfalfa and clovers, although their impact may be slightly reduced when dealing with corn or small-grain silages.
But do remember – not all inoculants are created equal. The standard bearer, for instance, is lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which reduces fermentation losses but can increase losses during feeding if spoilage comes into play. The trick lies in picking the right inoculant for each scenario, thereby ensuring appropriate fermentation and safeguarding your investment.
Exploring the Relationship Between Inoculants and Dry Matter Intakes
To that end, inoculants are vital in modulating the fermentation process of silage, playing a significant role in the overall quality of the silage and hence the animal’s nutrition. They enhance the efficiency of the fermentation process, which consequently safeguards your entire silage investment.
However, it’s also important to consider different factors that influence the efficacy of inoculants, such as moisture, maturity, chop length, and compaction. For instance, inoculants perform exceptionally well at a recommended moisture content between 45 and 70%. They prove to be extremely useful on grasses, alfalfa, and clovers – more so than in corn or small-grain silages.
Table 1 admirably exemplifies the potential effects of inoculating silage with homofermentative microbial inoculants. It’s a clear testimony that inoculants are indeed critical, even when the harvesting conditions seem favorable. Ensiled forages, which represent the largest part of the daily intake of most ruminants, have their quality directly influenced by the use of inoculants, hence affecting animal well-being and nutrition.
To ensure your herd’s optimal Dry Matter Intake (DMI), the right silage inoculant must be selected. This is somewhat a form of investment protection as it ensures adequate fermentation based on the variations presented by each scenario.
It is also worth noting that the profitability of the inoculants is typically more variable in the first cuttings than in subsequent cuttings. This puts to bed the myth that inoculants are unnecessary when the harvest conditions are favorable, bringing to light the crucial role they play in the silage fermentation process and the resultant DMI.
The Bottom Line
Conclusively, recent data gleaned from studies on dry matter intakes (DMI) underscores the significance of inoculants—even under favorable harvesting conditions. Through these findings, you are equipped to make informed decisionsthat ultimately optimize the profitability and efficiency of your silage production. The potential for each additional pound of preserved dry matter to stretch your hard-earned dollars and improve land use efficiency can’t be overlooked. Dispel the myths and embrace the evidence. Whether you choose liquid or dry products, ensuring they contain a minimum of 90 billion live lactic acid bacteria per ton of crop is vital to your success. Remember, it’s not just about what you’re doing, it’s also about how you’re doing it.
