A development of a new silage inoculant is a process that can last years. Everything begins in the lab. Only a few potential candidates from the 40,000 strains owned by Chr. Hansen can finally pass all required tests to be identified as a champion in a single discipline. If we speak about silage, fermentation, speed and extent of acidification, mold and yeast inhibition, as well as control of pathogens are typical “sport disciplines” for single strains.
For example, Figure 1 shows that the strain Enterococcus faecium M74 starts effectively to decrease pH in a silage medium after only 6 hours, while L. plantarum CH6072 drives the pH to a level close to three, that is well below a pH level allowing survival of most undesirable bacteria.
The strain L. buchneri LB1819 significantly prolongs the aerobic stability by protecting the silage against moulds and yeasts growth after opening (Figure 2).
Stable temperature in the silage treated with L. buchneri LB1819 is an indication of prevention of fungal growth. In contrast, heat generation in the untreated silage is caused by growth of yeasts and moulds after the silage opening. Looking for the optimal combination By: Dr. Ivan Eisner, Senior Product Manager, Silage Inoculants
ПAfter the winners are identified, the most complicated phase of a new silage inoculant development begins. Our champions have now the chance to show, how they can work as a team. For this purpose we grow the different strains together on one plate containing a designated nutrient medium. If the strains “do not like each other”, meaning one strain can inhibit the growth of another strain, they avoid the contact (Figure 3).
If the strains can grow together – without inhibiting
each other – their colonies touch each other (Figure 4).
Chr. Hansen Innovation Lab tested all possible combinations between different selected strains. The results showed that strains L. plantarum CH6072, Enterococcus faecium M74 and L. buchneri LB1819 do not inhibit the growth of each other and can be used potentially together in one mixture as a silage inoculant.
Test of potential products containing selected strains at various mixing ratios in different crops under different conditions is a final step of our silage inoculant development process. Ideally, the results should show the combination of the effects of single strains: improved dry matter preservation due to fast and deep pH reduction and prolonged aerobic stability.
SILOSOLVE® AS containing Enterococcus faecium, L. plantarum CH6072 and L. buchneri LB1819 significantly improved all those parameters, required for the good quality silage (Figures 5-7).
This specific bacterial strain combination improves fermentation and inhibits growth of yeast and mold, resulting in improved aerobic stability at feed out – 6 days in corn silages and 3 days in difficult-to-ensile grass and legume silages.
The inoculant reduces the breakdown of nutrients and ensures higher dry matter recovery compared to untreated silages.
The combination of the fast starter Enterococcus faecium and the strong finisher L. plantarum CH6072 decreases pH faster and drives it efficiently to a safe pH level that results in a reduction of fermentation losses. Selecting and combining the most efficient strains improves the fermentation process, preserves more of the valuable nutrients, and provides your animals with a highly palatable and nutritious forages.
Chr. Hansen attaches great importance to developing science-based, research proven solutions for our customers. SILOSOLVE® AS was created after a very intensive and thorough investigation. The inoculant combines all positive effects of the single strains mixed in the best rate.
The product:
- Reduces heating and improves aerobic stability
- Reduces growth of yeast and mould
- Improves nutrient preservation
