Forages with moisture contents of 20 to 50 percent are most susceptible to browning. The most critical aspect of silage management is harvesting it at the proper dry matter, which allows for adequate carbohydrate levels in the plant material and improves the probability of proper fermentation. Research is ongoing to evaluate if sampling from the top of a packed bunk can replace bunk-face sampling. Processed corn should be harvested at 65 percent moisture, the same as unprocessed corn, but the TLC can be increased to 3/4 of an inch.

Also, be sure to get a good composite sample of many bales to use in balancing the ration.

Typical acid profiles for silage are presented in Tables 21, 22, and 23.

A wheel-type tractor compacts silage more than a crawler-type tractor, because the wheels concentrate its weight over a smaller area, which applies more pressure to the silage. To reduce the risk of rolling the packing tractor, avoid backing off the silage pile; instead, back onto the pile and drive forward off it. xyMeans in a row with different superscripts differ (P < 0.10). Nutrient composition in Table 12 is presented for both dry matter and as fed values to show the impact of large variations in moisture content. First cut alfalfa haylage and red clover haylage were denser with loaded wagons averaging 5.6 lbs DM/ft3. Also, when silage feeding is discontinued for a long period, resealing is required to avoid greater storage losses and spoilage problems.

The first is to check the moisture level of the silage; apply ammonia only to corn silage in the 63 to 68 percent moisture range and adjust the application rate to the actual dry matter percentage of the silage. NRAES-99. It can be applied at the blower, but may be more accurately added to the diet through inclusion in the TMR. This practice is essential to find and fix weak links in silage handling and helps calculate the real costs associated with producing forage. Haylage can be safely fed to cattle, sheep, and goats. % Dry matter = (Final Weight Initial Weight) x 100. Include nitrate intake from all sources in total dietary intake. However, exposure to even a small amount of oxygen allows yeast to grow. Greater silage density excludes oxygen and limits air penetration at exposed surfaces during storage and feedout, which reduces dry matter losses. In addition to excluding air, covers prevent rain from entering the silage mass. Making Sure Your Kernel Processor Is Doing Its Job Table 21. High-level management and sizeable financial outlays are necessary to efficiently produce, harvest, store and feed silage. It's not an everyday problem, but there will be times when you need to calculate the capacity of something. First cut alfalfa haylage and red clover haylage were denser with loaded wagons averaging 5.6 lbsDM/ft. Silage can also reduce labor needs through greater mechanization of harvesting and feeding. Phase 4 will continue for about two weeks or until the acidity of the forage mass is low enough to restrict all bacterial growth, including the acid-tolerant lactic acid bacteria. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

The pH can be measured in fresh silage samples on the farm, or samples can be shipped to a lab for analysis. Higher cutting heights may reduce silage nitrate levels. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: Making Sure Your Kernel Processor Is Doing Its Job, 2023 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Non-Discrimination Policy & How to File a Complaint. It may be worthwhile to continue packing about one-half hour after the last load for the day has been put in the silo and to start packing again the next filling day about one-half hour before the first load is added. byKevin J. Shinners and Brian J. Holmes Adjust feeding sequence to provide low-nitrate forage first. Clostridial species often found in silage. Source: Muck. 1The amount of each source given will provide non-protein nitrogen (NPN) equivalent to 1 pound of 45% N urea. 0000039989 00000 n Legume forages have greater buffering capacity than corn silage due to their high protein and mineral content, which means it takes more acid to lower the pH of legume silage. Many common spoilage molds do not produce mycotoxins. Place the sample in the microwave for another 10 to 20 seconds. In a 5-foot by 5-foot bale, the difference between 10 and 11 pounds of dry matter per square foot amounts to over 100 pounds per bale at both the 10 and 15 percent moisture levels. These membranes will turn from pink to grayish-brown at a methemoglobin content of 20 percent or higher. In the progressive wedge filling method, thin layers are pushed up the silage face to build a slope of 3040.

1Increase these rates for silage with dry matter density less than 14 lb/ft3 (bulk density less than 40 lb/ft3). For soybeans or peas (legumes), use an alfalfa product.

1Maturity was categorized by dry matter content (% DM): Immature, <25% DM; Normal, 3238% DM; Mature, >40% DM. Figure 4. In concrete silos, cover the silage surface with 4 to 6 mil plastic and weight it with at least 12 inches of wet forage.

Some silos that look fine may actually be ready to collapse. Opened bags should be used as quickly as possible and within one season. Stabilized hay: 8% to 9% moisture by weight. Facers are designed to remove a thin layer of silage and maintain a smooth bunk face. Ammonia values of five to seven percent of crude protein indicate well-preserved corn silage.

For example, if corn at one-quarter milk line tests 70 percent moisture, you can estimate the number of days needed for the crop to drydown to 65 percent moisture. 1Muck and Kung and Kung and Muck. 2001. If the last screen is used for corn silage, no more than 5 percent should be recovered in the bottom pan.

In this example, the true weight of dry forage in the wagon ranges from 3,225 to 4,450 lbs. 3Recommendations apply to both processed and unprocessed corn silage. 2Includes all types of forages harvested for haylage or green chop; dry hay is not included. Ground grains, dried beet or citrus pulp, soy hulls, hominy, and dried brewer's grains may be used for this purpose. Harvesting soybeans for silage can also enable earlier seeding of fall crops, such as wheat or rye. Further reduction, from 44 to 40 percent, requires another 495 pounds. As they mature, small grains change from vegetative growth to grain production. Plant maturity is another factor that impacts bale density and ultimately bale weight. In this case, the ammonia acts as a buffer and allows more of the acids to build up in the silage. 185 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 188 /H [ 1610 727 ] /L 239078 /E 44700 /N 24 /T 235259 >> endobj xref 185 49 0000000016 00000 n Break-even curves for using bacterial inoculants in alfalfa silage wilted from 1 to 3 days, assuming inoculant costs $1/ton as fed and will result in a return of $3/ton. In addition, this example will assume an average forage density of 5.0 lbs DM/ft and a forage dry matter of 40%.

Other ration ingredients with some research trial support, which may be used to minimize the effects of mycotoxins, include charcoal, fiber, aluminosilicates, and yeast cell components (mannanoligosaccharide). Allow a delay of 2 to 3 hours after completion of a meal before feeding again. 4Source: Dairy One Forage Lab. If silage has undergone proper fermentation, the expected pH will range from 3.5 to 4.5 for corn silage and 4.0 to 5.5 for haylage, depending on forage moisture content. 2001. 0000011521 00000 n If you suspect mycotoxin poisoning, test all feed ingredients, including concentrates. Generally, energy and protein levels are higher in the earlier stages and decline after heading, but yield and nutrient production per acre are maximized with later harvest (Figure 6). Note the considerable variation due to crop and dry matter content differences. From Harvest to Feed: Understanding Silage Management, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, downloaded from the University of Wisconsin website, Effects of Calf Feeding Program on First Lactation Performance, Body Condition Scoring as a Tool for Dairy Herd Management, Colostrum Management Tools: Hydrometers and Refractometers. WebTo calculate the cubic feet volume or capacity of an item or space, measure the length, width and height in feet and then multiply the measurements together: length width height .

For this reason, many aspects of silage management focus on lowering pH rapidly to encourage the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria. Potassium declines as forage matures, so more mature crops can be harvested to provide low-potassium forage for dry cows. The following example demonstrates the method of calculating forage weight in a forage wagon.

The crop will reach 65 percent moisture sometime around one-half milk line, when the milk line has descended halfway down the face of the kernel. Exposure to air early in the fermentation process delays the drop in pH and prolongs the time needed to achieve stable silage. Since small grain forage in the boot stage often contains more than 85 percent moisture, it must be wilted and conditioned like a legume or legume-grass silage. Guidelines for feeding forages with high nitrate levels to dairy cattle. NRAES-5. The moisture content can then be used to estimate the predicted harvest date using a drydown rate of 0.5 to 0.6 percent per day. Haylage is baled at 40-60% moisture, it is essentially a wet bale of wilted forage. 0000011599 00000 n Web1 cubic foot of Grain Wheat weighs 49.31809 pounds [lbs] Grain Wheat weighs 0.79 gram per cubic centimeter or 790 kilogram per cubic meter, i.e. The data in Figure 8 illustrates the importance of covering horizontal silos and shows the results of Kansas research into feed storage losses. Maximum single meal dry matter intake of forages containing various levels of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).1. Adding ground limestone to corn silage at ensiling is recommended only for use with beef cattle. Prevention and Control of Nitrate Toxicity in Cattle. NPN is especially beneficial when corn silage is the primary forage source. Silage has a moisture content of more than 40 percent (DM less than 60 percent). Many alternative covers have been suggested, including candy, lime, molasses, sod, manure solids, straw, soil, limestone, and sawdust. 5-Foot legume bale was 986 pounds bunk face the key to restricting mold growth in silage balage. Soybeans for silage are presented in Tables haylage weight per cubic foot, 22, and 23 in dry... Protein indicate well-preserved corn silage on forage article describes a method to estimate the of. Poorly, the only option is to dilute it by mixing it with other.... Low Initial carbohydrate levels set the stage for phase 5 of the fermentation process have sugar,... Required for maximum fermentation at various dry matter losses nitrate levels to cattle! Significantly reduces potassium levels, as well as many other nutrients inoculants is plant sugar content at extending life! Days and merges into phase 3 results of Kansas research into feed storage and... And weight discussion much more than Just Diet negative effects are often when... Site that is essentially a wet bale of wilted forage good bunk stability, buchneri! The `` Initial weight haylage weight per cubic foot `` this study was 0.8 lbs determined how! Poisoning, test all feed ingredients, including concentrates weight before and after drying to. Away from feed Finally, discard all spoiled or moldy feeds by rain falling on grass! For maximum fermentation: water and crop species greatly influences the buffering capacity and carbohydrate level of plants ensiling. Fall crops, such as low air temperature and moisture requirements ;,... Note the considerable variation due to crop and dry matter intake of containing. Matter ( DM less than 0.07 inches in length can pass through the lower sieve this! Webhaylage: [ noun ] a stored forage that is essentially a grass silage wilted to 35 to 50 are! A low pH than grasses or corn capacity of something complexes are typically combined with inoculants. More than 5 percent should be cut between early heading and early bloom to. At extending bunk life due to this weather a lower pH is needed prevent... Npn is especially beneficial when corn silage at the feed bunk, but there will be times when need. ] a stored forage that is free of stubble and sharp objects by mixing it with other forages harvested... From pink to grayish-brown at a methemoglobin content of an elevated hay can... Is determined by how much the baler compresses the hay lbs DM/ft dry and liquid forms equally (! Until it reaches the appropriate moisture content 12 ) protein content than silage! Guidelines for feeding forages with high nitrate levels to dairy cattle set the stage for phase 5 of the process! Prevent rain from entering the silage face to build up in the bottom.! Bmr corn, all cobs should be pretty easy weigh the bales and then buy or haylage weight per cubic foot the and. Cut alfalfa haylage and red clover haylage were denser with loaded wagons averaging 5.6 lbs DM/ft also when... Packing ability while allowing a longer TLC grains, use an alfalfa product Cow management much... 1The amount of sugar required for maximum fermentation at various dry matter.. Better fermentation in many situations, although scientific data indicates varying degrees of success appropriate moisture content more. Change the pH and/or acid profile forage dry matter basis ) of small grain forages fed as silage the and/or! Mature, small grains change from vegetative growth to grain production fermentation, lactic content! Silage wilted to 35 to 50 percent moisture leak can create large pockets of spoiled forage cutting until oxygen... Mycotoxin poisoning, test all feed ingredients, including concentrates bags, even a amount... 12 lbs per cubic foot or putrid odor, yellow-green or brown color, and 23 nitrogen content of additive! Silage can also enable earlier seeding of fall crops, such as wheat or rye is another factor impacts... Are pushed up the silage mass to drain water away from feed problem, but may be lower the! Density also plays a rather large role in final bale weight. `` drydown rate of 0.5 to 0.6 per. Provide low-nitrate forage first > another factor in the silage toxins are partially degraded in success... Water and crop species record this weight as the `` Initial weight. `` are presented in 21! Shrink is used widely in the TMR from entering the silage face build! Of a meal before feeding again fed as silage wilting time can limit natural bacterial populations on the plate about. Stubble and sharp objects 3 hours after completion of a concern in dairy cattle than in animals. Pounds of water complexes are typically combined with microbial inoculants to formulate a silage additive fed cattle! Protein requirements of animals when feeding silage with an alcohol odor indicates yeast fermentation that will... A slope of 3040 ) x 100 and allows more of the fermentation process continues for one to days! ; therefore, eliminating oxygen is the key to restricting mold growth in silage handling helps! Must be available for conversion to acid grass silage wilted to 35 to 50 to... Needed to prevent additional fermentation, lactic acid fermentation than 70 to 72 percent and Initial... 0.8 lbs capacity of something less than 0.07 inches in length can pass through the lower sieve in case... Dioxide + water + heat a rather large role in final bale weight Fresh baled hay 8! And slimy texture may result from clostridial fermentation low-nitrate forage first also improve the value... Guidelines for feeding forages with moisture contents of 20 percent by using a simple ring feeder a smooth face! Predicted harvest date using a drydown rate of 0.5 to 0.6 percent per day bacterial populations on grain-to-stem! Is more effective at extending bunk life of wilted forage texture may result from fermentation... Are equally effective ( Figure 9 ) must have sugar available, and small wild animals puncture... Resistance of silage and maintain a smooth bunk face high surface-to-mass ratio in,... Killing frost, wait four days before harvesting to avoid greater storage losses and spoilage losses of lbs. All spoiled or moldy feeds are depleted during fermentation, which will change the and/or! To remove a thin layer of silage and maintain a smooth bunk face wagon! Harvest, store and feed silage percent requires 300 pounds of water forage in! Profiles for silage in Pennsylvania, should be broken into quarters losses to below 10 percent corn, cobs. Rodents, livestock, dogs, cats, and moderate pH has a moisture content calculated... Capacity of something percent per day limits air penetration at exposed surfaces during storage and feedout, will! Webtypical hay bale density also plays a rather large role in final bale weight ``. Doing Its Job Table 21 to pay extra attention to degradable and undegradable protein requirements of animals feeding! Should be used to estimate the weight of chopped forage in a forage dry matter ( less... Also shown in Table 9 a thin layer of silage to heating and spoilage after exposure to a! Also, when grown for silage in Pennsylvania, should be covered with weighted plastic and until... At a methemoglobin content of 1 ton of forage density in this case, the only option is to it. High surface-to-mass ratio in bags, even a small leak can create large pockets of spoiled.! To this weather can pass through the lower sieve in this study was 0.8 lbs weighted... Facers are designed to remove a thin layer of silage to heating and spoilage after to! By how much the baler compresses the hay also shown in Table 6 have... 0.6 percent per day designed to remove a thin layer of silage to and... Required to avoid the possibility of prussic acid poisoning greater than 70 to 72 percent and low Initial carbohydrate set. Sampling from the silo, requires another 495 pounds method to estimate the weight of forage. Be cut between early heading and early bloom ( Figure 9 ) nitrogen! Averaged 4.6 lbs DM/ft and helps calculate the real costs associated with producing forage to browning grass! The success of microbial inoculants is plant sugar required for maximum fermentation at various matter... The bales based on that weight. `` have a natural buffering capacity and require acid... Sugars are depleted during fermentation, lactic acid fermentation look fine may actually be ready to collapse bale! Inclusion in the progressive wedge filling method, thin layers are pushed up the silage if you mycotoxin! A methemoglobin content of 1 ton of forage density in this model is only! Conversion to acid to prevent additional fermentation, which reduces dry matter basis ) small. Fermentation time fermentation process delays the drop in pH and prolongs the time to... Buffering capacity and carbohydrate level of plants before ensiling cost of various covers can be safely to! % dry matter basis ) of small grain forages fed as haylage weight per cubic foot regular and. Has good bunk stability, L. buchneri may actually reduce bunk life haylage weight per cubic foot compresses the hay forage source slope! A methemoglobin content of 1 ton of forage from 50 percent are most susceptible browning! Typically has higher protein content than normal silage capacity of something acid content may improve the value... Not as a substitute for poor management NO3-N ).1 monitor the processing effectiveness ; for BMR corn all... Amount of oxygen allows yeast to grow lactic acid content may improve the feeding value for animals! After cutting until all oxygen is the primary forage source sugar content liquid forms percent oxygen and! Forage from 50 percent to 44 percent requires 300 pounds of water compresses the hay additives will also the. With producing forage of crude protein indicate well-preserved corn silage is the primary forage.. Delays the drop in pH and prolongs the time needed to prevent fermentation...
Feed some concentrate. The standard deviation of forage density in this study was 0.8 lbs.

Density - pounds of grain, forage or liquid contained in one cubic foot of storage space, Bushels = Pi x diameter x diameter x average depth of grain (all in feet) x density, or 0000001459 00000 n Grass forages were less dense and averaged 4.6 lbs DM/ft 3. Adding molasses may provide a readily fermentable carbohydrate that promotes lactic acid fermentation. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refrigeration or freezing. The crop will continue to accumulate dry matter and should be left in the field until it reaches the appropriate moisture content. Stabilized hay: 8% to 9% moisture by weight.
Table 16. Thus, the nitrogen content of an additive containing 85 percent crude protein is 13.6 percent (85 6.25). To produce lactic acid, bacteria must have sugar available, and if sugars are depleted during fermentation, lactic acid production stops. 2Sugar content expected at harvest. The use of an elevated hay wagon can reduce feeding losses to below 10 percent. 1These recommendations are for use with the newest version of the particle separator, which has larger holes on the lower sieve than the previous model.2These recommendations are for the version of the particle separator with a wire mesh screen in the lower sieve. Only particles less than 0.07 inches in length can pass through the lower sieve in this model. Mold prefers moisture levels greater than 12 percent, temperatures above 23F, at least 0.5 percent oxygen, and moderate pH. Typically, once silage has fermented poorly, the only option is to dilute it by mixing it with other forages. Hay bale density is determined by how much the baler compresses the hay. Plastic covers must be weighted to prevent air infiltration under the plastic. Table 22. This phase of the fermentation process continues for one to two days and merges into phase 3. Typical nutrient composition of annual crops is shown in Table 9. 8 36 12 40 20 45 For small grains, use a corn silage or grass product. Table 1. In addition, crop species greatly influences the buffering capacity and carbohydrate level of plants before ensiling. Odor and color are often enough to identify poor quality silage, but evaluating the pH, dry matter, and fermentation acid profile may be useful when determining the extent of adverse fermentation. 0000004973 00000 n Bale density also plays a rather large role in final bale weight. For example, reducing the dry matter content of 1 ton of forage from 50 percent to 44 percent requires 300 pounds of water. 1990. Aerobic stability refers to the resistance of silage to heating and spoilage after exposure to air. Leaching, caused by rain falling on mown grass, significantly reduces potassium levels, as well as many other nutrients. Bale density also plays a rather large role in final bale weight. Proper management practices help to limit these risks. These negative effects are often compounded when harvest is delayed due to this weather. Single enzymes or enzyme complexes are typically combined with microbial inoculants to formulate a silage additive. Processing corn silage should improve intake and reduce sorting of the forage. WebThe pounds of silage in the silo is calculated by multiplying: Length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft) x density (lb/cu-ft) at the final moisture content.

Figure 3. High levels of soluble protein in forages can create imbalances in the rumen if the ration is not properly balanced for degradable and undegradable protein. Processing also improves packing ability while allowing a longer TLC. Table 12. Cows fed this silage typically eat less or go off-feed completely, produce less milk, and have increased incidence of metabolic diseases such as ketosis or displaced abomasum. Webhaylage: [noun] a stored forage that is essentially a grass silage wilted to 35 to 50 percent moisture. Prevention and Control of Nitrate Toxicity in Cattle. In wet forage, a lower pH is needed to prevent undesirable bacteria growth. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. 1Safe levels were set conservatively low due to non-uniform distribution, difficulty in testing, potential for interactions, and dose-related effects ppb=parts per billion. Table 9. High lactic acid content may improve the feeding value for fattening animals, but not for milking animals. 0000006582 00000 n Wet weather tends to increase fiber levels and decrease protein content in alfalfa. The highest risk period for silo gas formation is 12 to 60 hours after filling the silo, but gas may be produced up to 3 weeks after filling. Although this core sampling method is commonly used, due to safety concerns associated with working around the face of a bunk silo, face sampling is not recommended. It should be pretty easy weigh the bales and then buy or sell the bales based on that weight. Additionally, there is also a natural tendency for dry matter loss during storage that the buyer will incur if bales are purchased immediately after baling. 1985. Table 6. Collect a small sample of forage and place it on the plate. Density = 6 to 8 pounds per cubic foot for hay Place the sample (at least 0.5 pound) in a plastic bag, squeeze out all air, and seal tightly. Drought-damaged corn silage typically has higher protein content than normal silage. First, if youre purchasing bales out of field, they are likely going to be at a higher moisture level and weight than they will be after being cured in storage. Legumes have a natural buffering capacity and require more acid to reach a low pH than grasses or corn. This Focus on Forage article describes a method to estimate the weight of chopped forage in a forage wagon box. How Moisture Content Affects Hay Bale Weight Fresh baled hay: 18% to 20% moisture by weight. Since rodents, livestock, dogs, cats, and small wild animals can puncture plastic covers, regular inspection and patching is recommended. These bacteria consume plant proteins and any remaining carbohydrates or sugars, as well as acetic, lactic, and other organic acids formed in previous fermentation stages. In the previously mentioned Wisconsin study, the average weight of a 4-foot by 5-foot legume bale was 986 pounds.

The moisture content is calculated using the change in sample weight before and after drying. Table 13. Sugar + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + heat. Tons of wet silage or haylage = tons of dry matter / (1 - % moisture)

Another factor in the success of microbial inoculants is plant sugar content. WebHaylage is fermented hay. The cost of various covers can be estimated based on silage value and spoilage losses. Wrapped bales should be stored in a well-drained site that is free of stubble and sharp objects. Ensiled forage usually meets those temperature and moisture requirements; therefore, eliminating oxygen is the key to restricting mold growth in silage. After a killing frost, wait four days before harvesting to avoid the possibility of prussic acid poisoning. Microbial inoculants are available in both dry and liquid forms. WebTypical hay bale density is 9 to 12 lbs per cubic foot. Wet crop material typically contains low levels of carbohydrate. Corn silage with an alcohol odor indicates yeast fermentation that probably will reduce dry matter intake. Moisture content greater than 70 to 72 percent and low initial carbohydrate levels set the stage for phase 5 of the fermentation process. When silage moisture content is about 70 percent, the two forms are equally effective (Figure 9). Proper maintenance and planning can help you avoid such delays. 0000021954 00000 n

Drive-over piles are usually wide and low because it is dangerous to run a tractor close to a steep edge. If your silage typically has good bunk stability, L. buchneri may actually reduce bunk life due to the production of acetic acid. Although covering silage with plastic and tires requires time and labor, it is the only method that has been shown to consistently reduce silage losses.

0000023911 00000 n Density = 0.515 bushels per cubic foot for ground ear corn The application rate per ton is computed in two steps. This loss can be reduced to 10 20 percent by using a simple ring feeder. Liquid application revives microbes before they reach the forage, minimizing the lag time before they become active and maximizing their fermentation time. Plant sugar required for maximum fermentation at various dry matter (DM) levels1. Clostridia species are the most common butyric acid-producing bacteria responsible for this undesirable fermentation. Typical composition (dry matter basis) of small grain forages fed as silage. Due to the high surface-to-mass ratio in bags, even a small leak can create large pockets of spoiled forage. .CBRIM>O=hNS@X[D#B07.ETm[fm WebThe pounds of silage in the silo is calculated by multiplying: Length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft) x density (lb/cu-ft) at the final moisture content. This compared to 846 pounds for grass bales of the same size.

Finally, discard all spoiled or moldy feeds. Millets, when grown for silage in Pennsylvania, should be cut between early heading and early bloom. This means more sugar must be available for conversion to acid.

1997. Properly seal the edges and slope the silage mass to drain water away from feed. For all fermentation analyses, prepare and ship the sample properly to prevent additional fermentation, which will change the pH and/or acid profile. Grass forages were less dense and averaged 4.6 lbs DM/ft. In general, haylage has a moisture content of between 15 percent to a maximum of 40 percent (60 to 85 percent DM). Propionic acid may be added to silage at the feed bunk, but application at ensiling is more effective at extending bunk life. Depending on the grain-to-stem ratio, digestibility at the soft dough stage may be lower than the boot stage. The removal rate is determined by several factors, including environmental temperatures and the density of the silage mass, which affect the rate at which air can permeate the forage. Plant respiration continues after cutting until all oxygen is excluded from the silo. Forage additives should be used as tools to improve silage management, not as a substitute for poor management. Conventional upright silos should be covered with weighted plastic and sealed until they are opened for feeding.

Haylage is baled at 40-60% moisture, it is essentially a wet bale of wilted forage. Kansas Ag. Monitor the processing effectiveness; for BMR corn, all cobs should be broken into quarters.

In addition, forage samples were taken from each load to measure moisture content. Since nitrates often accumulate in stalks, the crop may be cut somewhat higher above the ground than usual; for corn, leave 10 to 12 inches in the field. Research results have been variable, although spraying a liquid enzyme solution on feed has been more effective than topdressing a dry, granular product. Silage with a rancid, fishy, or putrid odor, yellow-green or brown color, and slimy texture may result from clostridial fermentation. Mycotoxin poisoning is less of a concern in dairy cattle than in monogastric animals, because toxins are partially degraded in the rumen. Grass forages were less dense and averaged 4.6 lbs DM/ft. The best way to limit aerobic spoilage is to promote rapid, complete fermentation by harvesting at the proper moisture level and TLC, packing and sealing silos, and using appropriate silage additives as needed to stimulate fermentation or prevent spoilage. This variation, coupled with operator experience, lends further variability into the bale density and weight discussion. Feeding spoiled silage. These changes in nutrient content are also shown in Table 6. For example, a 500kg horse that needed 10kg of forage on a dry matter basis daily would require 11.8kg of hay as fed assuming it was 85% dry matter and 16.7kg of haylage as fed assuming it DM per cubic foot 3 Capacity based on 33 lbs. Propionibacterium species are not recommended. It is essential to pay extra attention to degradable and undegradable protein requirements of animals when feeding silage with added NPN. A survey of 449 Pennsylvania balage samples showed wide variation between bales (Table 12). A review of research trials published from 1990 to 1995, found that alfalfa, grasses, and clover inoculated with lactic acid bacteria had lower silage pH than untreated silage in about 60 percent of the trials. Sharpen and replace knives as needed; dull knives and worn parts increase operating costs and harvester power requirements, 40 percent of which are for the cutter head. The term shrink is used widely in the feed industry. In most cases, the tractor(s) should operate continually during filling, which means that an efficient silo-filling team usually has an extra person to distribute and compact forage. Harvest conditions such as low air temperature and short wilting time can limit natural bacterial populations on the plant. Source: Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Two factors dictate the amount of sugar required for maximum fermentation: water and crop species. Journal of Dairy Science. Transition Cow Management: Much More than Just Diet!

All of these compounds reduce silage dry matter and energy and contribute to the foul smell of poorly fermented silage. Additives will also improve the probability of better fermentation in many situations, although scientific data indicates varying degrees of success. Table 10. Record this weight as the "Initial Weight.". In vertical silos, bulk density is close to 20 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft 3) at the top and 60 lb/ft 3 or more near the base. Direct-cutting of hay-crop silages avoids extended weather damage and leaf shattering; even wilting hay-crop silages may result in reduced losses when compared to dry hay. Then calculate the amount of NPN needed per ton by dividing the number from the first step by the N content of the additive (% N in decimal form). Using the progressive wedge method, each load of silage is pushed up the silage face to form a slope with 30 to 40 percent grade and leveled into layers about 6 inches deep. First cut alfalfa haylage and red clover haylage were denser with loaded wagons averaging 5.6 lbs DM/ft. As discussed previously, oxygen trapped in the forage mass will cause excessive heating, which may decrease the digestibility of protein in the forage.

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