Silage additives can be useful tools to improve silage quality and animal performance; however,
they are not replacements for good management practices. The question of which additive to use can
sometimes be a difficult one. Table 11 shows some suggestions for use of silage additives. Cost of the
product should not be the most important factor when choosing an additive! Proof of efficacy and cost
should be considered together. Why buy a cheap additive that is ineffective? In contrast, the most
expensive additive might not be the best either. How should one evaluate a silage additive? In my
opinion, the three major issues that are relevant in North America for choosing an additive include a
broad and extensive data base (proving efficacy under a broad range of conditions, crops, moistures,
etc.) that 1) supports improvements in animal production, 2) supports improvements in DM or nutrient
recovery, or 3) supports improved aerobic stability. Finally, choose an additive from a reputable
company that stands behinds their products and offers excellent technical service support.