The effect of slurry application timing on grass silage fermentation and intake by dairy cattle

Abstract

Many farmers apply slurry to grassland as a fertiliser or a means of waste disposal. There is evidence that winter slurry application leads to higher losses of nitrogen due to leaching subsequently reducing the efficiency of slurry N utilisation when compared with spring applications (Smith et al 1995). This suggests that slurry applications should be undertaken in spring, but the effect of timing on the extent of grass contamination is unknown. When grassland is used for silage production, contamination of the sward can lead to reduced silage fermentation and acceptability (Boxem and Remmelink 1987). A study was conducted to investigate the effect of timing of slurry application on fermentation and dry matter intake of first and second cut grass silage.