Inoculant FAQs

  1. What is an inoculant?
  2. What is fermentation?
  3. What is the purpose of inoculants?
  4. What are bacteria?
  5. How are inoculant bacteria kept alive?
  6. How do inoculants help preserve silage?
  7. How can I be sure that my inoculant is still alive or viable?
  8. What are the advantages of using an inoculant?
  9. How do I know what product is right for me?

What is an inoculant?

Inoculants are cultures of viable bacteria that are introduced into silage to improve nutrient retention and properly stimulate and increase the rate of fermentation.
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What is fermentation?

Ideal fermentation (homolactic fermentation) is the conversion of the energy of the plant that is ensiled into lactic acid, under anaerobic (without oxygen/air) conditions with little or no waste products (carbon dioxide, heat, other waste products, etc.).
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What is the purpose of inoculants?

To ensure proper fermentation, increase the rate of fermentation and improve nutrient retention.
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What are bacteria?

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that multiply by simple division. Bacteria can remain active, without oxygen, until the silage pH is 4 or less or until the fermentation sugars are depleted.
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How are inoculant bacteria kept alive?

The bacteria cultures are freeze-dried to maintain viability, stored to prevent exposure to moisture or light, and are activated when mixed with water prior to application.
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How do inoculants help preserve silage?

Microbial inoculants give a faster drop in pH and can give a lower pH, with less production of wasteful compounds such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and methane that waste nutrients in the forage, than would happen naturally. Once the silage pH drops to 4.0 or 4.5 and anaerobic conditions are maintained, most micro-organisms don’t grow and the silage is preserved for months. More protein is preserved when the pH drops quickly.
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How can I be sure that my inoculant is still alive or viable?

Promote brand inoculants are viable for a minimum of 18 months after the date of manufacture. We use special packaging to prevent water or light exposure. Then, we periodically monitor product to assure full viability of the bacteria. If you have product that is in question feel free to contact our Promote support line at 1‑888‑262‑6866.
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What are the advantages of using an inoculant?

  • Greater return on investment
  • Reduced dry matter and energy loss
  • Reduced fermented forage and diet temperature
  • Reduced protein degradation
  • Extensively researched for effectiveness and consistent value in a range of forages and conditions
  • Increased bunk life
  • Safe and easy to use
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