Additives

The procedure of directing the fermentation in the silo by the addition of active materials at the time of harvest is not new. Acids, especially formic, have been used extensively in northern Europe for many years with the objective of restricting the development of undesirable bacteria.

Molasses has also been used for a similar period of time to boost the natural content of fermentable sugars in the crop and thereby achieve a stimulated fermentation dominated by the production of lactic acid.

The introduction of inoculants in the 1980s was not without controversy, since some early products developed in North America for use with heavily-wilted crops did not work well in the wetter crops harvested in parts of Europe but by the 1990s the range of biological additives increased along with their effectiveness.

The efficacy of different additives is the subject of continued debate, especially in those countries where products can be sold without independent testing and without official approval.

Bacterial inoculants

Inoculants supply lactic acid-producing bacteria to the grass to speed up fermentation (basically adding more of what already occurs naturally). The main reason for using an inoculant is to improve silage intake and production from silage. Inoculant treated silage gives better milk production and an improvement in milk protein.

Formic acid

An organic acid, it is the most tried and tested additive on the market. It has been proven in trials in Northern Ireland to improve milk protein percentages.

Sulphuric acid

The most economical additive for silage preservation on the market. Co Sil D is a 60% formulation of sulphuric acid with a corrosion inhibitor and added Copper.

Molasses

Molasses adds sugar to the silage to give good preservation when sugar levels in grass are low.

Beet pulp

Molassed beet pulp is normally applied at 50Kgs per ton of grass ensiled. It gives preservation and can be counted as part of the concentrate feed for the winter. It also reduces effluent losses.