Why Is Lactobacillus buchneri Important in Silage Inoculants?

The Lactobacillus buchneri bacteria

Why Is Lactobacillus buchneri Important in Silage Inoculants?

When it comes to preserving crop quality and minimizing spoilage, not all inoculants are created equal. One bacterial strain that stands out for its powerful effects on aerobic stability is Lactobacillus buchneri.

Let’s dig into what L. buchneri does—and why it matters.

🧬 What Is Lactobacillus buchneri?

L. buchneri is a species of heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria commonly used in silage inoculants. Unlike most lactic acid bacteria that only produce lactic acid, L. buchneri produces acetic acid and 1,2-propanediol as well.

These extra fermentation products have strong antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of yeasts and molds—making it especially effective at improving aerobic stability.

🌾 Why Is L. buchneri Important?

✅ 1. Reduces Spoilage After Opening Silage

One of the biggest risks in silage is aerobic spoilage—when oxygen gets in during feedout, encouraging yeast and mold growth. L. buchneri slows down this spoilage by producing acetic acid, which:

• Suppresses yeast and mold growth

• Keeps silage cooler and more stable

• Extends the feedout window

✅ 2. Improves Shelf Life of High-Moisture Forage

Silage that heats or molds quickly can lead to dry matter losses and reduced feed value. By enhancing aerobic stability, L. buchneri helps retain:

• Nutrient content (especially sugars and protein)

• Palatability

• Feed safety

✅ 3. Ideal for Corn Silage, High-Moisture Corn, and Baleage

L. buchneri is especially useful in:

• Corn silage (which has high sugar content and is prone to yeast growth)

• High-moisture corn

• Baleage, particularly when stored for long periods or under variable conditions

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🧪 How It Works – The Science in Simple Terms

Most inoculants contain homofermentative LAB (like L. plantarum) that produce lactic acid fast—this drops the pH and preserves the forage.

But L. buchneri works slower and differently:

• Converts some lactic acid into acetic acid

• Acetic acid is more fungistatic (inhibits yeast/mold)

• This process takes time—up to 45–60 days for full effect

So, L. buchneri is not for rapid fermentation, but for long-term stability.

⚠️ When Not to Use L. buchneri

• Short-term silage (<30 days): It needs time to work.

• Dry hay or forage below ~55% moisture: Not enough substrate for proper fermentation.

• If you only need fast pH drop and aren’t concerned about spoilage after opening.

In these cases, a standard homofermentative inoculant might be a better (and cheaper) option.

🔍 Quick Comparison

Feature	Standard LAB (L. plantarum)	L. buchneri
pH Drop Speed	Fast	Moderate
Improves Aerobic Stability	No	Yes
Ideal For	Quick feedout	Long-term storage
Yeast & Mold Control	Minimal	Excellent

👨‍🌾 Bottom Line: Is L. buchneri Worth It?

If you're storing corn silage, baleage, or high-moisture forage for longer periods—especially in warm, humid climates—L. buchneri is one of the best tools to prevent spoilage and protect feed quality.

While it's more expensive than basic inoculants, the cost of feed losses due to heating and mold can be far greater. Think of it as insurance for your forage.

🧠 Final Tip

Want to maximize both fermentation and stability? Many modern inoculants now blend homofermentative and L. buchneri strains, giving you:

• A fast pH drop and

• Long-lasting aerobic stability

Ask your supplier about dual-strain or multi-strain options.

📣 Have Questions?

Let us know what kind of forage you're putting up, and we’ll help you choose the right inoculant for the job. Don’t leave feed quality to chance—stack the odds in your favor with science-backed bugs like L. buchneri.