The potential of emerging third-generation silage inoculants to improve forage preservation and feeding value for the cattle industry

Project lead:
Dr. Yuxi Wang, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Lethbridge Research Centre

Start Date: April 2012

End Date: March 2015

Alberta Barley’s contribution: $2,000

Partners: 

• Alberta Barley

• Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Total funding from other partners: $248,010

Summary:
The project aims to develop strategies to utilize third-generation silage inoculants during forage preservation in order to enhance the feeding value and utilization of forages in cow-calf and beef cattle operations. Silage inoculants are additives used to manipulate and enhance fermentation in silage in order to reduce losses and improve animal performance. More effective silage inoculants could potentially increase barley silage’s value as animal feed, increasing demand and improving profitability.

Benefits for farmers:
The project will benefit barley farmers and the barley industry by improving the nutritive value of barley silage, which will in turn increase barley utilization by the beef industry. This will ultimately improve the profitability of both industries.