by Vesna Jenkins, Global Product Manager, Biomin BioStabil
Silage quality directly impacts animal health and farm profitability. This guide delves into the scientific principles and practical steps necessary to produce silage of the highest caliber.
Optimal Dry Matter
The journey to exceptional silage begins with harvesting at the ideal dry matter percentage. This critical timing ensures the preservation of yield and energy content. Striking the right balance is key; harvesting too early can lead to nutrient-poor silage, while too late can compromise the forage’s structural integrity.
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Wilting Wisdom
When wilting is part of the process, efficiency is paramount. Quick wilting minimizes spoilage and retains the forage’s nutritional value. It’s a delicate dance between removing excess moisture and maintaining the feed’s quality.
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Ensiling Excellence
Post-harvest, the clock is ticking. Compacting and sealing the forage within 24 to 48 hours is vital to create an anaerobic environment. This step is crucial to halt the growth of harmful aerobic microorganisms that can spoil the silage and endanger livestock health.
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Rapid Acidification
The role of silage inoculants cannot be overstated. The proven science of the silage inoculant Biomin® BioStabil accelerates the pH drop, locking in dry matter, energy, and protein. This rapid acidification is a defense mechanism against pathogenic bacteria and mycotoxin producing fungi, ensuring the silage remains safe and nutritious.
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Feed-Out Finesse
Cut sufficient silage from the clamp face to not allow newly exposed silage near the face to have time to spoil. And keep the clamp face hygienic- spilled debris on the ground can easily go moldy presenting hazard for animals if fed out.
Silage making is both a science and an art. By following these guidelines and choosing the right inoculant, farmers can secure the nutritional integrity of their forage.
Consult with an EW Nutrition representative to select the perfect BioStabil inoculant tailored to your forage type and conditions, and elevate your silage from good to great.
