Which is the best way to make silage?

Which is the best way to make silage?

The best combination is sugar beat leafs and fruit, together with whole maize plants or maize straw. A main success condition is that the sugar beat does not have much earth in it. When you combine sugar beat with whole maize plants for silage production, it is best to use maize plants in a later stage of vegetation.

How is the moisture level of silage determined?

The approximate moisture level of chopped silage can be determined by means of a “grab test.” Squeeze the chopped forage tightly into a ball for 20 to 30 seconds, and then release quickly. For-age chopped into 3/8 to 1/2-inch pieces should be used.

What should the pH level be for corn silage?

In general, pH values for corn silage should be in the 3.5 to 4.3 range, lactic acid levels should be in the 4–6% range, acetic acid 2% or less, propionic acid 0–1%, and butyric acid less than 0.1%. Ammonia N levels should be less than 5%.

What should the tires be on a silage trailer?

The silage trailer’s tires have to be tough enough so maizes talks cannot puncture them, and wide enough to avoid getting stuck in soft ground or compact the soil unnecessarily. The sides should be high enough to maintain a good volume and the side towards which the silage is blown, should be raised to eliminate waste.

Why is corn silage an important feed crop?

Corn harvested for silage is an important feed crop, where cropland often is limited. The crop provides livestock producers with a high-yielding, relatively consistent source of forage and the animals with a highly digestible and palatable feed. Corn silage produces more energy per acre than any other crop

What should feed side of silage clamp face?

Ideally the feed side of the clamp should face north-east so rain does not affect the face and reduce palatability. Use a stiff black plastic sheet on the top of the clamp and ensure it overhangs by 15-30cm. This will direct water away from the clamp. 4. Consider roofing the clamp

Why do I lose so much silage in the process?

Most loses of silage during the process occur due to:  Seepage losses when dry matter is less than 32 %.  Unnoticed bird/rodent damage to the bags resulting in spoilage loss.  Too wet (gaseous/seepage losses) or too dry silage (spoilage).