BioStabil | EW Nutrition

On-Farm Solutions · Silage Inoculants

Selected lactic acid bacteria, matched to the crop

The BioStabil line steers silage fermentation in grass, legumes, maize and bales. Homofermentative strains drive a fast pH drop after sealing, and heterofermentative strains keep the silage stable once the silo is opened.

Species

Dairy and beef cattle, other silage-fed ruminants; biogas

Application

Grass, alfalfa, maize, corn cob mix, sorghum, bales, biogas silage

Technology

Multi-strain homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, water-soluble

Silage Inoculants

Why silage needs a guided fermentation

Silage loses value twice: in the silo, while fermentation is still finding its direction, and at the face, once air gets back in. The BioStabil line is built around both phases, with strains that bring the pH down fast after sealing and strains that keep yeasts and molds in check after opening.

In a 14-month Czech study of well-harvested maize silage, the untreated control lost 5.53% of its dry matter during fermentation, plus an average of 0.94% over seven days of air exposure (Loučka et al., Náš chov, 2024). Every point of dry matter lost in the silo has to be replaced with purchased feed. In grass and legumes with low dry matter, high buffering capacity or low sugar, a slow pH drop also lets Clostridia convert lactic acid into butyric acid and break down protein.

*All products, services, and recommendations are country-dependent and may differ based on local compliance.

Silage Inoculants

Modes of action

0 Fast acidification

The homofermentative strain L. plantarum produces lactic acid quickly, so the pH drops before undesirable microbes can consume sugars, energy and protein.

0 Aerobic stability

Heterofermentative strains produce acetic acid, which inhibits the yeasts and molds that heat and spoil silage once the silo is opened.

0 Protein preservation

Faster stabilization means less protein breakdown, measured as lower ammonia-N in treated silage, so more of the harvested protein reaches the animal.

Silage Inoculants

Products in the range

BioStabil Plus

The flagship for grass, alfalfa and haylage

One homofermentative and two heterofermentative strains: L. plantarum for a rapid pH drop and dry matter protection during fermentation, L. kefiri and L. brevis for acetic acid production and stability at feed-out. Built for forages that are difficult to ensile, including low dry matter and high buffering capacity. A highly concentrated version is also available.

Form

Water-soluble powder

Target species

Grass, alfalfa, haylage

Active principle

L. plantarum DSM 19457, L. kefiri DSM 19455, L. brevis DSM 23231

Application

Dissolved in water, applied at harvest via forage harvester applicator. [CONFIRM: dose per tonne]

Packaging

200 g alu bag | 1000 g alu bag

Shelf life

18 months

Availability

Varies (check with your local representative)

BioStabil Mays

Maize, corn cob mix and sorghum

Selected homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria for a rapid initial pH drop and acetic acid production, the combination maize needs for energy retention and stability in the bunker. A highly concentrated version is also available.

Form

Water-soluble powder

Target species

Whole plant maize, corn cob mix, sorghum

Active principle

Homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria [CONFIRM: strains as on label]

Application

Dissolved in water, applied at harvest via forage harvester applicator. [CONFIRM: dose per tonne]

Packaging

200 g alu bag | 1000 g alu bag

Shelf life

18 months

Availability

Varies (check with your local representative)

BioStabil Wraps

Wrapped bales, tunnels and similar systems

Homofermentative bacteria for a strong anaerobic fermentation in wrapped silage, across grass, alfalfa, whole crop cereal, forage sorghum and whole plant maize, at a wide range of dry matter contents. A highly concentrated version is also available.

Form

Water-soluble powder

Target species

Grass, alfalfa, whole crop cereal, forage sorghum, whole plant maize

Active principle

Homofermentative lactic acid bacteria [CONFIRM: strains as on label]

Application

Round bales, tunnel silos or similar. [CONFIRM: dose per tonne]

Packaging

200 g alu bag | 1000 g alu bag

Shelf life

18 months

Availability

Varies (check with your local representative)

BioStabil BioGas

Silage for biogas plants

Homo- and heterofermentative bacteria that preserve fermentable energy in energy-crop silage. Acetic acid above 3.0% of dry matter stabilizes the silage well, and palatability does not need to be considered. A highly concentrated version is also available.

Form

Water-soluble powder

Target species

Energy crops for anaerobic digestion

Active principle

Homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria [CONFIRM: strains as on label]

Application

Dissolved in water, applied at harvest. [CONFIRM: dose per tonne]

Packaging

1000 g alu sachets

Shelf life

18 months

Availability

Varies (check with your local representative)

Silage Inoculants

What the trials show

Maize silage, Czech Republic

BioStabil Mays gave a significantly lower pH than the control after 7 days, 33% lower dry matter losses after 92 days, and 35.6 hours longer aerobic stability after 42 days of fermentation.

Source: Loučka et al., 19th International Symposium Forage Conservation, Brno, 2023

Whole crop maize, Lithuania

BioStabil Mays increased the fermentation rate of whole crop maize silage and reduced dry matter losses by 3.0 percentage points versus the untreated control (P<0.01), in a study that followed the silage through to beef cattle feeding.

Source: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 2015

Energy and margin, Hungary

In a maize field trial against an untreated control and a competitor inoculant, BioStabil Mays raised energy content by 0.2 MJ/kg DM (competitor +0.1). That was calculated as worth EUR 2.06 per ton through additional milk, or EUR 1.70 per ton through concentrate savings.

Source: BIOMIN field trial, Hungary

Strain safety

In its 2023 assessment for renewal of authorization, EFSA concluded that L. brevis DSM 23231 remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment under the authorized conditions of use.

Silage Inoculants

Where it fits

BioStabil Plus is the default for grass, alfalfa and haylage, and the first choice for low dry matter or legume-rich cuts with a high Clostridia risk. BioStabil Mays covers maize, corn cob mix and sorghum in bunkers and clamps. BioStabil Wraps HC is for baled and tunnel silage. BioStabil BioGas is for energy crops going to the digester.
Every inoculant works best with good silo management: fast filling, tight compaction and an airtight seal.

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Build the right BioStabil program for your silage

Crop, dry matter, silo type and feed-out rate determine the right product. Talk to a local specialist.