Quality Forage Ensiling Quality Forage

When ensiling forage, there are a number of parameters which should be considered and addressed in order to minimise losses and enhance forage.

These include:

• The dry matter content at harvest

• The length of cut

• The type of additive to be used i.e. crop specific

• Site management and filling of the clamp

• The type of cover and sealing

Checklist

1. Make a plan

• Book contractor

• Clean clamps

• Set targets for timings, tonnage and quality

2. Feed the sward

• Analyse soil and slurry

• Choose correct fertiliser

3. Cut at the correct stage

• Cut early when grass is still young and leafy

• Don’t mow below 6cm to achieve fast regrowth

A poor quality silage cover could cause between 5 and 10% in losses. Dry matter and nutritive value losses in silage come from four origins: two of them are visible – losses through leakages when fodder is ensiled (effluents) where DM is less than 25-27%, and mouldy parts which are unfit for consumption. The other two are not visible, however these account for the majority of losses – gases from respiration and from anaerobic fermentation after opening the silo. These can lead to a decrease in the nutritive value of the feed and consequently may have a harmful effect on the herd if mycotoxins are present.

A high quality silage film is increasingly recognised as an essential element of minimising losses and enhancing forage quality.

4. Ensile quickly

• Mow in early afternoon when grass is dry and sugars are high

• Wilt to achieve target of 28-32% dry matter

• Aim to have grass harvested within 36 hours of mowing

• Apply Magniva Silage additive to ensure efficient fermentation

5. Consolidate and cover

• Fill the silo in thin layers no more than 15cm deep

• Apply as much weight as possible to remove air

• Seal with a high quality oxygen barrier and silage cover