Pediococcus strains extend the temperature range for good fermentation. They reduce oxygen and shut down plant metabolism which reduces heating. These bacteria can stay alive in silages for many months, helping reduce spoilage if secondary fermentation occurs.
Sugars provide energy for rapidly growing bacteria.
The growth of undesirable bacteria, molds, and yeasts is inhibited in low pH silages. A stable fermentation occurs, which reduces ammonia nitrogen and water soluble carbohydrates, reducing spoilage when the silage is exposed to oxygen. Production of acetic acid improves aerobic stability, even though acetic acid takes a little plant energy to produce. Stability tests indicate forages with higher acetic acid show greater resistance to spoilage when exposed to air, which means a longer bunk life. This is over 70 million CFU's per pound, or 140 billion CFU's applied per ton of wet forage.