Many still use propionic acid-based products for CCM conservation; however, results of a recent trial conducted by the Riswick Agricultural Research and Education Centre have demonstrated that BONSILAGE CCM presents a highly effective, economical, non-corrosive alternative.

 

 

 

Dr Klaus Hünting of the Riswick Centre presented the results of a recently concluded CCM conservation trial in autumn 2011.  

 

Experimental design

 

 

Freshly ground CCM material (approx. 69% dry matter) was treated with various acids as well as Bonsilage CCM (as the only biological treatment alternative).  

• Alternative A: mixture of propionic acid and formic acid (5 l/t, approx. €6 per t of silage)
• Alternative B: mixture of formic acid/lignosulphonic acid/propionic acid (4 kg/t, approx. €4.60 per t of silage)
• Alternative C: mixture of sodium benzoate and sodium propionate (4 l/t, approx. €5 per t of silage)
• BONSILAGE CCM (1 g/t, from 1,20 € per t of silage)

The various silage alternatives were established for 90 days on a laboratory scale before the fermentation acids and aerobic stability were determined (see Fig. 1a and 1b). 

 

Evaluation of fermentation acid patterns 

Fig. 1a shows that the use of propionic acid mixtures, which are very strong conserving agents, results in a somewhat reduced overall conversion of plant sugars into fermentation acids. It also clearly shows the effectiveness of L. buchneri in Bonsilage CCM, as the acetic acid content in this alternative is about twice that achieved with the other treatments. Overall, the use of Bonsilage CCM results in the most effective conversion of plant sugars, as evidenced by this treatment alternative achieving the highest contents of total acids and alcohol by far. 

 

Evaluation of aerobic stability  

 

 

All of the tested products achieved good aerobic stability (see Fig. 1b), which was double that of untreated controls for all alternatives. No difference was observed between Bonsilage CCM and the various acid alternatives as far as effect on aerobic stability is concerned, again confirming the high performance of Bonsilage products (in this case Bonsilage CCM).

 

 

Convincing performance and cost effectiveness

 

 

Bonsilage CCM has a wide range of benefits: apart from excellent taste, easy digestibility and a demonstrated, repeatedly confirmed positive effect on aerobic stability (DLG quality seal WR 2), the product also offers outstanding value for money. 

 

 

The treatment costs for the various acid alternatives are commonly between €4 and €6 per ton of silage, whereas the application of Bonsilage CCM only costs between 1/4 and 1/3 of these amounts, depending on the quantities purchased (see Fig. 2). When used properly, that is combining CCM with up to 65% dry matter and ensuring sufficient storage length, i.e. at least 2, better 3 months, there really is no convincing alternative to Bonsilage CCM.