Research - MTD⁄1

MTD⁄1

MTD⁄1 is a high performance strain of Lactobacillus plantarum discovered by Imperial Chemical Industries in the UK. It has many unusual characteristics that make it ideal for use in forage treatments.


MTD⁄1

A highly efficient producer of lactic acid, it acts over a wider range of pH and temperature than most other strains of L. plantarum. It is also very osmotolerant so it works well in both high and low dry matter situations. These strain-specific characteristics make it active throughout the fermentation process so additional 'helper' bacteria are not required.



  • Works over a wide pH range: pH 7.5-3.5
  • Works over a wide temperature range: 46 to 113°F
  • Works in aerobic & anaerobic conditions
  • Works over a wide range of crops
  • Works at high and low dry matter - extremely osmotolerant

MTD⁄1 bacteria are produced by continuous culture and are harvested at the peak of fitness, making them extremely robust, fast acting and highly effective over a wide range of crops and conditions. Further patented encapsulation preservation technology helps protect the bacteria during freeze-drying and formulation technology ensures the final silage additives are easy to use with long shelf lives.

MTD⁄1 is different

Cows in a field

Most silage inoculants contain L. plantarum but there are many different strains, each with its own characteristics. Just as there are differences between Hereford and Holstein cattle, although they are both members of the species Bos taurus, no two L. plantarum strains are the same and the proven performance of MTD⁄1, is unique to MTD⁄1. Some products contain more than one type of bacterial strain (called helper strains). Independent research (Rook & Kafildazeh, 1994) has shown that MTD⁄1 does not need helper strains.

The Proof

Ecosyl is the most widely researched inoculant in the world, with supporting trials in the following categories

  • 200+ fermentation trials
  • 40 intake⁄digestibility⁄ME trials
  • 19 beef trials
  • 15 dairy trials
Clamp face block cut

Most of these trials have been performed at leading Universities or Institutes around the world and the findings have been published in academic peer reviewed journals. The large number of trials ensures it has been thoroughly tested over a wide range of crops and, ensiling conditions. For further information on the list of academic publications covering the scientific work on ECOSYL and MTD⁄1 please refer to our UK website. For marketing publications please do not hesitate to contact us.