Benefits of Silage Inoculant

As another silage season approaches it important to maximise forage quality by using proven silage inoculants. With unpredictable weather patterns, tighter input costs, and a need to focus on animal performance. The right silage inoculant can help improve silage quality by reducing energy losses during fermentation and reduced dry matter losses.

Silage inoculants, such as those in the Magniva range supplied by Fane Valley, are designed to enhance fermentation, retain more nutrients, and improve feed stability after opening. By introducing highly efficient strains of beneficial bacteria, they help ensure the ensiled grass ferments quickly and cleanly — minimising dry matter losses and reducing spoilage.

Good fermentation starts with good bacteria, the Magniva products give natural lactic acid bacteria the upper hand, leading to faster pH drop, improved preservation and better palatability. It’s a simple investment that pays back in feed value and cow performance.

Fane Valley offers three key products from Lallemand tailored to Northern Irish conditions:

• Magniva Classic – ideal for well-managed grass silage, helping lock in energy and protein while ensuring a clean, stable fermentation.
• Axphast – designed for fast-acting preservation, it’s particularly suited to challenging conditions or wetter crops where rapid acidification is crucial.
• Magniva Platinum Dry – a unique dual-action inoculant combining efficient fermentation with aerobic stability, giving excellent protection against heating and spoilage in drier or bale silage.

Independent trials have shown that well-fermented silage not only retains higher energy and protein levels but also drives greater intake and milk or liveweight gain. With every tonne of silage representing a significant portion of a farm’s winter feed cost, safeguarding that value using a targeted inoculant makes strong economic sense.

Fane Valley’s agronomy team are available to advise on product choice, application rates and best practice for each crop type. Farmers are encouraged to discuss their silage plans early to ensure products are on hand ahead of cutting.

For more information on contact you local Fane Valley Agronomist or call 028 9261 0485.