Local farmers can now feed their dairy animals with improved quality silage using the Buro Booster Silage Inoculant (BBSI) developed by a team from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC).

This is on top of lesser spoilage during ensiling, which means higher silage yield, according to the DA-PCC Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), the developer of the inoculant.

The BBSI was introduced to farmer-members of Lupao Corn Farmers Association (LCFA) last August 13 in Lupao, Nueva Ecija. 

The inoculant is an additive to corn, sorghum or grass silage. It contains Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria, which enhances lactic acid fermentation hence improving silage quality and minimizing possible spoilage.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Arnel Del Barrio said this is one of the agency’s interventions to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the livelihood of dairy farmers.

Buro Booster and corn silage

During an onsite demonstration, DA-PCC PSNS team member Reynaldo Amido said a 10 ml BBSI can be added to one handheld spray solution which is enough to a ton of silage.  This means that a 1,000 ml or 1 liter bottle of the booster can be used for 100 tons of silage.

Amido said a solution with BBSI lasts for 24 hours and should be applied within that time.

“By spraying a solution with BBSI on the silage, we enhance its lactic acid composition thus improving its quality,” he said. There is about 1 million bacteria in 1 ml of BBSI which makes it potent, he added.

The University of the Philippines-Los Baños’ National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology gave the starter culture, which was propagated by the DA-PCC for Buro Booster .

Said inoculant can be stored up to six months in the refrigerator to help preserve its bacteria. 

Meanwhile, according to Rogelio Antiquera, DA-PCC Science Research Technician III, corn stover (bagaso)  is a good source of energy and is favorable for ensiling because it has 65% to 70% moisture content that reduces likelihood of spoilage. 

Corn can be harvested 75 to 80 days after planting while ensiling its stover takes 21 days. A good corn silage with all the nutrients intact can last from one to three years. 

Ensiling is a technology where feedstuff for ruminants such as corn and forage grasses are preserved through anaerobic fermentation. 

Another advantage of corn stover ensiling is that the harvesting of corn is commonly done during summer where the grass feedstuff for carabaos are lacking.

The technology also helps in the protection of the environment. For example, stover, a by-product of corn that is usually burned will no longer contribute to pollution when ensiled.

The business of ensiling amid pandemic

LCFA chairman Isagani Cajucom sees the importance of the Buro Booster as a means to sustain his own corn silage venture.

The LCFA can produce 100 to 300 tons corn silage a month during the corn season.  However, a leaner market demand due to the pandemic has led them to cut their production down to 50 tons.  A 40-kg sack of corn silage is sold at Php30-Php40. 

“Applying the inoculant to the silage ensures that it can last a long time because it prevents molds while in storage awaiting potential buyers. This gives us ample time to look for buyers,” Cajucom said.

Cajucom started his business engagement in ensiling in 2013 after his participation in the project “Commercialization of Grass/ Forage Corn Silage for Dairy Buffaloes in Lupao Through Technomart.”

Said project is a collaboration between DA-PCC and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). 

“Silage improves the body condition of carabaos. Healthy dairy animals produce more milk,” Cajucom, who is also a carabao raiser, said.

Select farmers from San Jose City also received Buro Booster packs from DA-PCC. Dr. Del Barrio said the starter kit can help farmers earn additional income while under a tight financial situation due to the emergency health crisis.

(With information from the article of Ma. Cecilia Irang)