It helps to ask the right questions on buying additives

VOLAC’S Dr Shirley Heron has some answers when it comes to sorting through the claims of additive suppliers this season.

“Sorting the wheat from the chaff is the challenge.

Is the additive EU approved? If it’s not, you can’t use it. Additives now come under the EU Feed Additives legislation; they cannot be sold, or used, if all of the active ‘ingredients’ are not approved. The label should list the 1k approval number against all active ingredients. Ingredients that are still undergoing assessment, for example, enzymes and potassium sorbate, are currently permitted. If in doubt, check before you buy as you are equally liable if you use a silage additive that does not comply.

Types of bacteria; Lactobacillus plantarum is recognised as the single best species of lactic acid bacteria for bringing about a fast, efficient silage fermentation. However, there are lots of different strains of this species, MTD/1 is just one, all with different characteristics. In the same way, Holsteins and Herefords are both members of the same species (Bos taurus) but very different. Most strains of Lactobacillus plantarum don’t work at their best at the high pH of fresh forage so other species of lactic acid bacteria, for example Pediococcus or Enterococcus, are added to start the fermentation. Trial results are specific to the strains being tested.

Additives are for different issues; identify the priorities, for example, fermentation will be the issue with lower DM crops, especially legumes such as lucerne and clover, while aerobic stability will be a potential risk with high DM grass and maize. If you don’t have particular issues with either of these, concentrate on an additive proven in scientific trials to increase animal performance, such as Ecosyl. Some additives can deal with several issues.

Check out the trial evidence; would you choose a bull without a thorough check of his proof ? That’s equally important with a silage additive. Ask for findings from trials conducted at independent research institutes. To be confident an additive will work, it must be backed by evidence it performs consistently from a large number of trials, not just one or two. If an additive can only offer testimonials, then forget it. Only proper trials, with an untreated control, can tell you if an additive has made a difference. This is especially important for animal performance claims.

Ease of management; is it easy to use and available in a suitable form, for example low volume application?

Cost; important but it’s not the up-front figure that matters, it’s the payback.

Product quality; regardless of how good the bacteria potentially are, unless they can be supplied to the end user as a robust commercial product, you will not see those benefits. Buy from a reputable company. Bacteria are living organisms and very sensitive to their environment.

The way they are manufactured has a big impact on how well they survive storage and how fit they are when you come to use them.

Before you invest, spend some time finding out a bit more about the products available and don’t be swayed by glossy literature. Taking that time out will pay you dividends in the long run.