Why use microbial inoculants?
1) Reduce forage heating quickly
Respiration of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts) causes heating which can lead to DM and nutrient loss during storage. At excessive moisture levels this heating can also create a dangerous storage environment.
2) Rapidly reduce pH
Microbial inoculants promote a rapid and efficient conversion of fermentable carbohydrates to lactic acid reducing the pH level fast, “shutting off” organisms that rob nutrients and dry matter.
3) Improve dry matter recovery
Bacteria and yeast can grow in a bunker and negatively affect dry matter recovery until the bunk reaches an anaerobic state. Inoculants help create this anaerobic state fast thereby improving dry matter recovery by 5-8%.
4) Increased protein retention
The value of your forage to a dairy animal is anchored by it’s nutritional value. Microbial inoculants can help retain up to 7% more protein value.
5) Increase bunk life
Research has proven that inoculant treated forage lasts longer in the bunk.
6) Maximize forage nutrient value
Higher preservation of nutrients in the silage is due to a better fermentation and lower losses.
7) Improve NDF digestibility
It has been proven that using crop-specific inoculants can help improve fiber digestibility. This chart demonstrates improvements in NDF digestiblity for corn silage treated with Biomax 5 versus untreated.
8) Improve milk production
Silages treated with inoculants have a distinctive sweeter, more aromatic and more palatable smell than untreated silages. If a dairy cow eats more high digestibility / high energy content silage it will ingest more energy and can produce 3-5 pounds more milk per day.
9) Safe and easy to use
High quality microbial inoculants are easy to use and when packaged in a heat-sealed foil lining, have long stable shelf lives.
Choosing an inoculant — a check list
Silage inoculants, along with good forage management, consistently improve the nutritive quality of silage and provide a substantial return on investment.
The most effective bacterial species in silage inoculants are Lactobacillus Plantarum, Pediococcus Pentosaceus and Enterococcus Faecium. These bacterial species are efficient at utilizing plant sugars to produce lactic acid, which is required to rapidly lower forage pH and enhance fermentation and preservation efficiencies. However, not all bacterial strains share the same ability to effectively and efficiently preserve forages.
Before making a decision about which microbial inoculant to use be sure to ask the following questions to ensure you get the best return on your investment.
√ Is the product thoroughly researched?
Biomax® silage inoculant strains are backed by university research and field trials, supporting the efficacy on a variety of forages, harvest and storage conditions.
√ How many bacteria, and which species, does the inoculant contain?
A silage inoculant should contain live, homofermentative lactic acid bacteria and should provide at least 100,000 Colony Forming Units/g (CFU/g) of wet forage.
√ Is there an expiration date of manufacture listed?
All Biomax inoculants contain a “best used by” date as well as a lot number for product traceability.
√ Are the bacteria guaranteed alive?
Biomax inoculants are guaranteed to meet or exceed stated levels of viable bacteria for 18 months for dry-applied inoculants and 24 months for water-soluble inoculants.
√ Can the inoculant be applied easily?
Uniformly distributing bacterial silage inoculants is important for maximum product effectiveness. Biomax inoculants are available in a water-soluble form — the most preferred application method.
√ Is the manufacturer basic in microbiology?
Biomax inoculants are manufactured by Chr. Hansen, Inc. that was established in 1874 and is recognized as the World’s Microbial Experts.
√ Does the product remain viable if mixed with a chlorinated water source?
Due to special additives Biomax’s bacteria remain stable and viable in chlorinated water.
√ What is the proper way to store Biomax microbial inoculants?
Biomax inoculants do not require refrigeration, however, it’s recommended to always store unopened product in a cool, dry area for maximum stability.