Big Bales Research Articles

LOW-QUALITY FLAX STRAW BIOMASS HARVESTING FOR SUBSEQUENT USE AS FUEL: A REVIEW

Unfavorable conditions for flax growing, harvesting and dew-retting are the reason for the low-quality flax biomass production. This biomass cannot be processed for fiber or other purposes. Therefore, flax straws are burned in the fields or are used as fertilizer by plowing into the soil, which are not good solutions for the environment and subsequent cultivation operations. The limit values of quality properties of fibre flax stem, flax straw and retted straw for their processing are summarized, which can be used to determine the suitability of flax straw biomass for processing or burning. Low-quality flax biomass is inexpensive, ecofriendly and renewable, it can be used as solid fuel for heating greenhouses or buildings located near the field where the flax is grown. Various techniques of fibre flax and oilseed flax harvesting are presented in the article. The technique of low-quality flax harvesting is recommended, which include flax pulling out or flax cutting, flax threshing, flax straw windrow forming, flax straw natural drying on the field in natural way, flax bale forming, flax bale transporting, flax bale burning. This harvesting technology can be used for low-quality fibre flax and oilseed flax. Flax straw biomass can be baled into three bale types: small rectangular bales, big round bales, and big square bales The main requirements for fuel flax biomass bales are recommended. The boiler for burning flax straw bales must be chosen taking into account the shape and size of the bales. For the efficient operation of boilers, it is necessary to take into account the recommended values ​​of bale bulk density and moisture content of flax biomass.

Milk Production and Quality of Lactating Yak Fed Oat Silage Prepared with a Low-Temperature-Tolerant Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculant.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of oat silage treated with a low-temperature-tolerant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant on milk yield and the quality of lactating yaks. Oat silages were prepared in big round bales, treated without (control) or with a low-temperature-tolerant LAB inoculant (a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum BP18, Pediococcus pentosaceus HS1 and Lactobacillus buchneri LP22; the application rate of 105 cfu/g on a fresh matter basis). Eighteen lactating yaks were divided into nine pairs with a similar milk yield. Each pair of yaks was randomly allocated to the control or LAB-inoculated silage treatment. The inoculated silage increased the dry matter intake and the total volatile fatty acid (mainly acetate, propionate and butyrate) in rumen fluid compared with the control. The inoculated silage also enhanced the yield of yak milk with high contents of total N, fat and lactose. In addition, high levels of essential amino acids (Thr, Leu and Phe), polyunsaturated fatty acids and low saturated fatty acids were observed in milk when lactating yaks were fed with the inoculated silage. Therefore, inoculation with a low-temperature-tolerant LAB during ensiling could promote the milk yield of lactating yaks by enhancing dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation.

Rebaling of silage and haylage and its effects on forage microbial and chemical composition—A pilot study

AbstractUse of big bale silage and haylage can be difficult on farms where daily forage consumption is comparatively low as speed of deterioration of forage after bale opening may be faster than feed‐out rate. Production of smaller bales at harvest is possible, but expensive and work‐intensive. Therefore, a pilot study of rebaling forage stored in big bales to smaller bales was conducted. Three separate experiments were included, where microbial and chemical composition of silage and haylage was studied before and after rebaling. In Experiment III, residual big bale forage stored and opened together with rebaled forage was included. Results showed that rebaled haylage and silage had higher yeast counts compared to initial forage; however, residual bales in Experiment III had yeast counts similar to rebaled forage, indicating an effect of storage time rather than of rebaling. In Experiment II, mould counts were higher in rebaled compared to initial silage, but not in haylage. Chemical composition was similar in initial and rebaled forage except for ammonia‐N. In Experiment III, ammonia‐N was higher in rebaled compared to initial and residual forage and was the only chemical variable affected by rebaling. Bale temperature during aerobic storage followed ambient temperature until day 6–8 in Experiment I and until day 14 in Experiment III where ambient temperature was lower. In conclusion, rebaling can be done without large changes in chemical composition of the forage, but yeast and mould counts may be higher in rebaled forage, and this risk should be considered when using this procedure.

Nitrogen and fatty acid rumen metabolism in cattle offered high or low polyphenol oxidase red clover silage

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in red clover (RC) has been shown to reduce both lipolysis and proteolysis in silo and implicated (in vitro) in the rumen. However, all in vivo comparisons have compared RC with other forages, typically with lower levels of PPO, which brings in other confounding factors as to the cause for the greater protection of dietary nitrogen (N) and C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on RC silage. This study compared two RC silages which when ensiled had contrasting PPO activities (RC+ and RC−) against a control of perennial ryegrass silage (PRG) to ascertain the effect of PPO activity on dietary N digestibility and PUFA biohydrogenation. Two studies were performed the first to investigate rumen and duodenal flow with six Hereford×Friesian steers, prepared with rumen and duodenal cannulae, and the second investigating whole tract N balance using six Holstein-Friesian non-lactating dairy cows. All diets were offered at a restricted level based on animal live weight with each experiment consisting of two 3×3 Latin squares using big bale silages ensiled in 2010 and 2011, respectively. For the first experiment digesta flow at the duodenum was estimated using a dual-phase marker system with ytterbium acetate and chromium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as particulate and liquid phase markers, respectively. Total N intake was higher on the RC silages in both experiments and higher on RC− than RC+. Rumen ammonia-N reflected intake with ammonia-N per unit of N intake lower on RC+ than RC−. Microbial N duodenal flow was comparable across all silage diets with non-microbial N higher on RC than the PRG with no difference between RC+ and RC−, even when reported on a N intake basis. C18 PUFA biohydrogenation was lower on RC silage diets than PRG but with no difference between RC+ and RC−. The N balance trial showed a greater retention of N on RC+ over RC−; however, this response is likely related to the difference in N intake over any PPO driven protection. The lack of difference between RC silages, despite contrasting levels of PPO, may reflect a similar level of protein-bound-phenol complexing determined in each RC silage. Previously this complexing has been associated with PPOs protection mechanism; however, this study has shown that protection is not related to total PPO activity.

Owner reported management, feeding and nutrition-related health problems in Arabian horses in Sweden

A survey of feeding and management routines and feed-related health problems of Arabian horses in Sweden was performed using a web-based tool. The purpose of the study was to collect data on feeding and management routines from owners of Arabian horses through a cross-sectional study, in order to be able to describe the current situation and if possible find associations among certain feeding and management routines and related health problems. Descriptive statistics and prevalence of health issues were reported for a five year period 2010–2014). The final data set included 454 Arabian horses corresponding to ca eight percent of the registered Arabian horses in Sweden. Most of the horses (64%) were used for hobby riding with light or moderate exercise intensity. Most respondents (60%) did not calculate any feed rations. The majority of the horses (58%) were fed haylage from big bales followed by small bale hay (32%), but feeding more than one forage type was common. Ad libitum access to forage was reported for 25% of the horses. Concentrates were given to three quarters of the horses, and of these 92% were fed less than 1kg concentrate per day and horse. Loose-housing systems were used for one-fourth of the horses, while individual boxes in stables during night time and spending daytime in fields or paddocks was used for the remaining three quarters. The three most common feed-related health issues were colic (20%), oral cavity problems (10%) and airway problems (7%) during the five year period. The prevalence and cause of oral cavity problems may require further research. The most common reported stereotypy was box-walking which was reported for 4% (n=18) of the horses during the five year period. In conclusion, Arabian horses in Sweden were fed comparably low amounts of concentrates, and incidence of health issues such as colic and airway problems was comparable or lower compared to incidences in other horse populations as described in the literature.

Biomass supply chain management in North Carolina (part 2): biomass feedstock logistical optimization

Biomass logistics operations account for a major portion of the feedstock cost of running a biorefinery, and make up a significant portion of total system operational costs. Biomass is a bulky perishable commodity that is required in large quantities year round for optimal biorefinery operations. As a proof of concept for a decision making tool for biomass production and delivery, a heuristic was developed to determine biorefinery location, considering city size, agricultural density, and regional demographics. Switchgrass and sorghum (with winter canola) were selected to examine as viable biomass feedstocks based on positive economic results determined using a predictive model for cropland conversion potential. Biomass harvest systems were evaluated to examine interrelationships of biomass logistical networks and the least cost production system, with results demonstrating a need to shift to maximize supply-driven production harvest operations and limit storage requirements. For this supply-driven production harvest operations approach a harvest window from September until March was selected for producing big square bales of switchgrass for storage until use, forage chopped sorghum from September to December, and forage chopped switchgrass from December to March. A case study of the three major regions of North Carolina (Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain) was used to assess logistical optimization of the proposed supply-driven production harvest system. Potential biomass production fields were determined within a hundred mile radius of the proposed biorefinery location, with individual fields designated for crop and harvest system by lowest transportation cost. From these selected fields, crops and harvest system regional storage locations were determined using an alternate location-allocation heuristic with set storage capacity per site. Model results showed that the supply-driven production harvest system greatly reduced system complexity, maximized annual usage of high cost specialized equipment, and reduced logistical operations cost. The siting method and developed model shows promise and can be used for computational analysis of potential biorefinery site biomass production systems before costly on the ground logistical analysis.

The effect of biological additive on nutrient composition of grass silage

DOI: 10.15414/afz.2015.18.04.106–109 Received 7. July 2015 ǀ Accepted 28. August 2015 ǀ Available online 7. December 2015 The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of biological additive on nutrient composition of grass silages. The experiment was realized in practical conditions on the farm RD Klenovec in 2013. Grass mass of permanent grassland was ensiled in silage bags. Laboratory analysis of silage samples were carried out at 8 weeks of fermentation, 6 and 12 months of storage. Into grass silage of experimental group was added biological additive, consisted of mixture of homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria. Inoculant included strains Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum. There were not found significant differences (P >0.05) between the control and experimental group in contents of nutrients in individual analysis of silage samples. We found higher values of dry matter, crude protein and organic matter, and lower content of ash after supplementation of biological additive in all analyzed samples. Tendency of (P >0.05) a higher content of crude fiber was found after 8 weeks, 6 months of storage and fat after 12 months of storage. There were found significant (P <0.05) differences in contents of NEL after 8 weeks and 12 months of storage and NEG only after 12 months of storage between control and experimental samples of silage. Keywords : grass silage, fermentation, inoculant, nutrients References ASTON, K., SUTTON, J.D. and FISHER, W.J. (1995). Milk production from grass silage diets: strategies for concentrate allocation. In Anim. Sci., vol. 61, pp. 465-480. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S135772980001403X ÁVILA, C.L.S. et al. (2009) Effect of an indigenous and a commercial Lactobacillus buchneri strain on quality of sugar cane silage. In Grass Forage Sci., vol. 64, pp. 384-394. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2494.2009.00703.x BURKE, F. et al. (2007). Comparative evaluation of alternative forages to grass silage in the diet of early lactation dairy cows. In J. Dairy Sci., vol. 90, pp. 908-917. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(07)71574-6 BUXTON, D.R., MUCK, R.E., and HARRISON, J.H. (2003) Silage Science and Technology. Washington: American Society of Agronomy, pp. 305-360. DOLEŽAL, P. and HEJDUK, S. (2002) The effect of inoculation of wilted extensive grassland for silage fermentation process. In Acta Univ. Agric. Silvic Mendel. Brun., vol. L 9, no. 5, pp. 67-74 (in Czech). DOLEŽAL, P. et al. (2012) Preservation of feeds and their use in animal nutrition. Brno: Mendel University in Brno. DRIEHUIS, F. et al. (1999) Anaerobic lactic acid degradation during ensilage of whole crop maize inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri inhibits yeast growth and improves aerobic stability. In J. Appl. Microbiol., vol. 87, pp. 583-594. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00856.x GUO, X.S., UNDERSANDER, D.J. and COMBS, D.K. (2013) Effect of Lactobacillus inoculants and forage dry matter on the fermentation and aerobic stability of ensiled mixed-crop tall fescue and meadow fescue. In J. Dairy Sci., vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 1735-1744. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2045-5786 JALČ, D. et al. (2009) The use of bacterial inoculants for grass silage: their effects on nutrient composition and fermentation parameters in grass silages. In Czech J. Anim. Sci., vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 84-91. JANČOVÁ, M. (2009) Influence of microbial and microbial-enzymatic preparations on the digestibility and nutritional value of grass silage. Ph.D. Thesis. Nitra: SUA (in Slovak). JANČOVÁ, M. (2014) Conserved forage and their quality: research report. Banská Bystrica: VUTP (in Slovak). JASTER, E.H. (1994) Complex interactions from inoculants, enzymes explored. In Feedstuffs, vol. 66, no. 52, pp. 13-27. LÁD, F. et al. (2006) The influence of silage additives for qualitative parameters of clover-grass silages. In J. Cent. Eur. Agr., vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 313-318. MERRY, R.J., JONES, R. and THEODOROU, M.K. (2000) The conservation of grass. In Hopkins A. (ed.). Grass – its Production and Utilization. 3rd ed., Oxford, UK: Blackwell Science. PAHLOW, G. et al. (2003) Microbiology of ensiling. In: BUXTON, D.R., MUCK, R.E. and HARRISON, J.H. (eds) Silage science and technology. Madison: ASA, CSSA, SSSA, pp. 31-94. SAARISALO, E. et al. (2007) Screening and selection of lactic acid bacteria strains suitable for ensiling grass. In J. Appl. Microbiol., vol. 102, pp. 327-336. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03103.x STEINSHAMN, H. and THUEN, E. (2008) White or red clover-grass silage in organic dairy milk production: Grassland productivity and milk production responses with different levels of concentrate. In Livest. Sci., vol. 119, no. 1-3, pp. 202-215. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2008.04.004 WINTERS, A.L., FYCHAN, R. and JONES, R. (2001) Effect of formic acid and a bacterial inoculants on the amino acid composition of grass silage and on animal performance. In Grass Forage Sci, vol. 56, no. 2, pp.181-192. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2494.2001.00265.x ŽÚREK, H. and WRÓBEL, B. (2006) The evaluation of quality and nutritive value of sedge herbage ensilaged in big bales. In 12th International Symposium Forage Conservation, April 3-4, 2006, Brno. Brno: Mendel University, pp.149-151.

Deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and Fusarium graminearum contamination of cereal straw; field distribution; and sampling of big bales.

Sampling of straw bales from wheat, barley, and oats was carried out after harvest showing large variations in deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) levels. In the wheat field, DON was detected in all straw samples with an average DON concentration of 976 μg/kg and a median of 525 μg/kg, while in four bales, the concentrations were above 3000 μg/kg. For ZEN, the concentrations were more uniform with an average concentration of 11 μg/kg. The barley straw bales were all positive for DON with an average concentration of 449 μg/kg and three bales above 800 μg/kg. In oat straw, the average DON concentration was 6719 μg/kg with the lowest concentration at 2614 μg/kg and eight samples above 8000 μg/kg. ZEN contamination was detected in all bales with an average concentration of 53 μg/kg with the highest concentration at 219 μg/kg. Oat bales from another field showed an average concentration of 16,382 μg/kg. ZEN concentrations in the oat bales were on average 153 μg/kg with a maximum at 284 μg/kg. Levels of Fusarium graminearum DNA were higher in oat straw (max 6444 pg DNA/mg straw) compared to straw from wheat or barley. The significance of mycotoxin exposure from straw should not be neglected particularly in years when high levels of DON and ZEN are also detected in the feed grain. With a limited number of samples preferably using a sampling probe, it is possible to distinguish lots of straw that should not be used as bedding material for pigs.

Rumen degradation characteristics of ryegrass herbage and ryegrass silage are affected by interactions between stage of maturity and nitrogen fertilisation rate

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate interaction effects between stage of maturity and nitrogen (N) fertilisation rate on rumen degradation characteristics determined with nylon bag incubations of ryegrass herbages and ryegrass silage. Grass herbage (n = 4) was cut after 3 or 5 weeks of regrowth and received a low (20 kg N/ha) or a high (90 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate. Grass silage (n = 6) received a low (65 kg N/ha) or high (150 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate and was harvested at early (~2000 kg DM/ha), mid (harvested 13 days later), or late (harvested 34 days later) maturity stage and ensiled in big bales. All grasses were incubated in the rumen of three lactating rumen-cannulated Holstein Friesian cows. Rumen degradation characteristics of organic matter (OM), N and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the extent of effective degradation (ED) were evaluated. In grass herbage, NDF content varied between 390 and 454 g/kg DM and N content between 12.1 and 25.8 g/kg DM. In grass silage, NDF content varied between 438 and 593 g/kg DM and N content between 13.4 and 34.8 g/kg DM. In general, rumen degradation of grass herbage and grass silage decreased with increased maturity, and increased with increased fertilisation rate. Significant interaction between maturity and fertilisation rate was observed for ED of OM, N and NDF, except for ED of N in grass herbage. These results indicate that the effect of the rate of N fertilisation on degradation of nutrients in the rumen of dairy cattle and on nutritional value depends on the grass maturity stage.

The effects of allowance and frequency of allocation of deferred herbage, and grass silage feed value, when offered to ewes in mid-gestation on ewe and lamb performance and subsequent herbage yield

The effects of (i) herbage allowance, (ii) frequency of allocation and (iii) grass silage feed value on ewe and lamb performance were studied in mid-gestation ewes. Furthermore, the effects of (i) herbage allowance, (ii) frequency of allocation and (iii) grazing date and their interactions on subsequent herbage yield and feed value were also evaluated. Swards, which had a cut of silage removed on 6 September, received fertiliser nitrogen (34 kg/ha) for extended (deferred) grazing between 6 December and 1 February. Two grass silages differing in feed value were ensiled either precision chopped or in big bales from predominantly perennial ryegrass swards, respectively. In experiment 1, a completely randomised study involving 120 crossbred mid-gestation ewes (Belclare × Scottish Blackface) that had been mated in October was undertaken to evaluate the effects of extended grazed herbage allowance (1.0 and 1.8 kg dry matter (DM)/day), frequency of herbage allocation (daily and twice weekly) and grass silage feed value (low and medium) on ewe and subsequent lamb performance. The six diets were offered from days 63 to 120 of gestation. From day 120 of gestation to parturition all ewes were housed and offered the medium feed value silage ad libitum. All ewes received 19 kg concentrate prior to lambing. Increasing herbage allowance increased forage intake (P < 0.05), lamb birth weight (P < 0.01), weaning weight (P < 0.05) and growth rate from birth to weaning (P < 0.05), decreased herbage utilisation (P < 0.05) and tended to increase ewe condition score at lambing (P = 0.06). Frequency of herbage allocation or grass silage feed value did not alter (P > 0.05) ewe or subsequent lamb performance. In experiment 2, the effect of extended grazed herbage allowance (1.0 and 1.8 kg DM/ewe daily), frequency of allocation (daily and twice weekly) and grazing date (6 to 12 December, 27 December to 3 January and 17 to 23 January) on herbage yield at two harvest dates (27 April and 25 May) was examined in a split plot design study consisting of 72 plots. Delaying grazing date decreased herbage yield (P < 0.01) whilst delaying harvest date increased herbage yield (P < 0.05). Frequency of herbage allocation did not alter (P > 0.05) subsequent herbage yield. It is concluded that for ewes in mid-gestation 1.0 kg of low feed value silage DM had the same feed value, as determined by weaned lamb weight, as 1.3 kg herbage DM allowance. Each 1-day delay in grazing date reduced herbage DM yield by 54.2 kg/ha.

Variations in bacterial communities in laboratory-scale and big bale silos assessed by fermentation products, colony counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles

To assess the variation in bacterial communities in laboratory-scale and big bale silos. Wilted Italian ryegrass (628 g dry matter kg(-1)) was ensiled in vacuum-packed plastic pouches and big bales. Silos were opened after 3 months, and the fermentation products, colony counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles were determined. Eight samples were collected separately from a big bale, while one representative sample was taken from a plastic pouch. Significant variation was found between big bales in dry matter, ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and ammonia-N contents. No differences were shown between plastic pouches and big bales, except that more ethanol was produced in the former air-tight silos. Plastic pouches could resemble a specific silo and outer sampling sites of big bales based on fermentation products and DGGE profiles respectively. Considerable variation in fermentation products may exist between big bale silos. Plastic pouches can serve as a model of big bale silos, although they do not provide information on the heterogeneity within and between bales. Assessment of bacterial communities associated with ensiling can differ according to the criteria of fermentation products, colony counts and DGGE profiles.

Feasibility of Bedded Hoop Barns for Market Beef Cattle in Iowa: Cattle Performance, Bedding Use, and Environment

The objective was to document a bedded hoop barn for feeding market beef cattle. A comparison between a bedded hoop barn (15.2 × 36.6 m) and an open-front feedlot building (11.0 × 61.0 m) was conducted in southwest Iowa. The hoop barn was oriented north-south on a ridge with windbreak. In summer, temperature was relatively consistent between the structures and ambient conditions, although the north end of the hoop barn had a slightly elevated dew point temperature. A summer temperature-humidity index showed that the hoop barn had fewer hours in alert category than either open front or ambient conditions. In winter, a cold stress index showed that the open-front barn provided the most shelter for the cattle with 92% of the hours classified as no impact, compared with the hoop barn at 77% and ambient at 51%. Both ends of the hoop barn were open, except for piled big round bales for a windbreak during winter. Growth, feed-to-gain, and dry matter intake for the cattle were similar between housing systems. Quality and yield grades were similar. Mud scores may be less for cattle from the bedded hoop barn compared with the open-front feedlot where mud was possible. Labor usage was similar for the hoop barn and the open-front feedlot. Labor occurred throughout the feeding period for the hoop barn because manure cleaning occurred weekly. Bedded hoop barns offer a viable alternative for feeding beef cattle and may reduce feedlot runoff.

Polyneuropathy Associated with Forage Sources in Norwegian Horses

Cases of hindlimb digital extensor weakness of unknown etiology have been observed in Norway since 1995. We hypothesized that the observed bilateral extensor weakness was attributable to neuropathy of the distal nerves and that this was related to environmental factors, possibly dietary. Seventy-five horses with digital extensor weakness occurring from 1995 to 2004 are described. Eleven horses were examined at The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, and the medical records of 64 horses seen in ambulatory practice were reviewed. There was no apparent sex, age, or breed predilection, but the majority were horses kept for pleasure or breeding purposes. Clinical signs varied from intermittent knuckling of the hindlimbs to paraplegia. Some horses showed no or only slow progression of signs, whereas others developed severe signs within hours. No other neurologic deficits were detected in any of the horses. Epidemiologic data and laboratory results were not supportive of an infectious etiology. The only common factor for all affected horses seemed to be feeding big bale silage or, occasionally, hay of poor microbiologic quality. Forty of the 75 horses were euthanized. Histopathologic examination of peripheral nervous tissue was performed in 22 horses, all of which had neuronal fiber degeneration. The majority of horses with mild signs recovered after 5-6 months of rest. Clinical signs correlated with polyneuropathy involving sciatic nerves.

Características de fermentação e composição químico-bromatológica de silagens de capim-tifton 85 confeccionadas com cinco teores de matéria seca

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do emurchecimento e da aplicação de aditivo bacteriano-enzimático (ABE) ou ácido propiônico tamponado (APT) sobre as características de fermentação e a composição química da silagem de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) armazenada em forma de fardos retangulares revestidos de filme plástico. Foram confeccionadas cinco silagens (250, 350, 450, 550 e 650 g/kg MS) sem aplicação de ABE (SA), três (250, 450 e 650 g/kg MS) com aplicação de ABE (CA) e uma (650 g/kg MS) foi pulverizada com uma solução contendo APT. As amostras foram colhidas nos tempos zero hora antes da ensilagem e 6, 12 horas, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 90 e 180 dias após a ensilagem, para se estabelecer a tendência das características de fermentação e composição química. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições, em parcelas subdivididas no tempo, sendo os tratamentos os fatores das parcelas, arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 incompleto. O emurchecimento a teores médios de MS (450 g/kg MS) favoreceu os parâmetros de fermentação (pH, N-NH3 e poder tampão) e a composição química das silagens de capim-tifton 85. O uso de APT não melhorou as características qualitativas de fermentação e a composição química das silagens. A utilização de ABE apresentou mínimos benefícios somente nas silagens contendo elevado teor de matéria seca (650 g/kg MS), sendo ineficiente para forragens contendo alto teor de umidade (250 g/kg MS).

The Effect of a Baler Chopping System on Fermentation and Losses of Wrapped Big Bales of Alfalfa

The improvement of wrapped big bale silage quality by increasing bale densities should be an important target. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of the use of a cutting system (15 knives spaced 93 mm apart) installed behind the windrow pickup of a fixed chamber round baler. Three field trials were conducted near Turin, Italy (44°50′ N, 7°40′ E) by ensiling wrapped round bale of first‐ and second‐cutting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different dry matter (DM) concentrations. The DM and crude protein (CP) losses at baling, forage mean particle length, wet and dry bale weights, bale density, fermentation pattern, and the conservation losses were evaluated. The DM losses at baling ranged from 0.5 to 2.0% and from 0.7 to 4.7% of DM yield at cutting for unchopped and chopped treatments, respectively. The chopping system increased the percentage of stems shorter than 10 cm from 14 to 38% on a DM basis. Chopping increased DM bale density by about 4% in all the trials. After 140 d of conservation the final fermentation quality of silages was not consistently improved by chopping.

Avaliação de inoculante microbiano na composição bromatológica, fermentação e estabilidade aeróbia da silagem pré-seca de alfafa

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do inoculante microbiano Silobac® (L. plantarum, P. pentosaceus), na silagem pré-seca de alfafa, em 22 silos, distribuídos em dois tratamentos, sendo 11 silos com inoculante e 11 controle, segundo o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A alfafa foi cortada quando em estádio do meio do florescimento e os silos, confeccionados com aproximadamente 600 kg e revestidos com película de PVC branca. Amostras foram coletadas, logo após a abertura de cada silo, para análise bromatológica e perfil fermentativo. O inoculante diminuiu o teor de MS (inoculada = 44,7 vs. controle = 51,2%) e aumentou a concentração de ácido acético (2,35 vs. 0,89% MS), em relação ao grupo controle. O inoculante também revelou diminuição no escore de bolor obtido a 10 cm de profundidade, mas não a 30 ou 50 cm. Não foram observados efeitos sobre os teores de PB (15,9 vs. 16,4% MS), NIDN (14,7 vs. 16,2% do N total), NIDA (11,2 vs. 11,6% do N total), FDN (47,1 vs. 46,7% MS), FDA (40,2 vs. 39,8% MS), celulose (29,7 vs. 28,6% MS), hemicelulose (6,94 vs. 6,89% MS), LDA (10,4 vs. 11,1% MS), carboidratos solúveis (2,97 vs. 2,44% MS) e amido (0,82 vs. 0,69% MS), DIVMS (61,6 vs. 62,5% MS), poder tampão (52,9 vs. 51,7 meq./100g MS), as concentrações de etanol (0,018 vs. 0,024% MS) e dos ácidos propiônico (0,00 vs. 0,00% MS), butírico (0,00 vs. 0,00% MS) e lático (5,62 vs. 4,45% MS), a relação lático:acético (4,57 vs. 4,87), bem como sobre o pH (4,96 vs. 5,33), as concentrações de N-NH3 (8,19 vs. 5,21% do N total) e a estabilidade aeróbia.

Ruminal degradation of protein of cocksfoot and perennial ryegrass as affected by various stages of growth and conservation methods

The behaviour of nitrogenous fractions in the rumen of sheep fed grasses at different vegetation stages and preserved by different methods was examined in this study. The measurements were made on four sheep fed forages. In Experiment 1, we used fresh cocksfoot cut at three stages of vegetation in the first growth stage (heading, first flower and full flower), two silages (one made with formic acid and the other without a preservative) and a first flower hay. In Experiment 2, we used fresh perennial ryegrass cut in the first growth stage (end of heading) and in the second growth stage at 7 week regrowth. A silage made with formic acid, two wrapped big bales harvested at 42% and 58% dry matter and a hay cut at the first growth stage (end of heading) were compared. The effective degradability of crude protein (DegN) estimated using the in situ method was lower (P < 0.05) with the latter vegetation stage for cocksfoot: 0.693 for the heading, 0.667 for the first flower, 0.597 for the full flower. For cocksfoot, the DegN of the silages was higher ( P< 0.05) for silage without additive (0.770) than for silage with formic acid (0.705) and higher than that of the fresh forage at first flower (0.667). The DegN of hay was markedly lower (0.537, P< 0.05) than that of the original fresh forage. The DegN of silage of perennial ryegrass (0.760) and wrapped big bales harvested at 42% DM (0.739) were higher ( P< 0.05) than that of fresh forage harvested at the end of heading (0.705). The DegN of wrapped big bales of perennial ryegrass harvested at 58% DM (0.667) and hay (0.536) were lower than those of the other forages ( P< 0.05). Whatever the forage studied, the concentration of to- tal nitrogen (tN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and non-ammonia nitrogen (NAN) were high 1 or 2 h after feeding and diminished rapidly up to 7ha fter feeding. Some of the solubilised nitrogen re- mained as proteins 1t o 2ha fter feeding for fresh forage harvested at various growth stages, but no protein was found in the rumen fluid after sheep were fed the silage (with or without preservative), wrapped big bales or hay. The proportion of dietary NAN flow (relative to ingested nitrogen) escap- ing rumen degradation was 5.8% to 10.1% for perennial ryegrass and 10.9% to 15% for cocksfoot. cocksfoot / perennial ryegrass / conservation method / vegetation stage / protein degradation / rumen fluid composition 245

Protein degradation in the rumen of red clover forage at various stages of growth and conserved as silage or wrapped big bales.

In order to study the extent to which rumen soluble nitrogen can contribute to the intestinal flow, a study was carried out to simultaneously assess the dynamics of protein disappearance from dacron bags placed in the rumen and the amount of various N products in the rumen fluid (total nitrogen (tN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), non-ammonia nitrogen (NAN)). The measurements were carried out on 4 sheep fed successively various red clover forages. These forages included the initial growth of fresh red clover (50% bud, first flower, and full flower). In addition, one silage and one wrapped big bale at the first flower stage and two wrapped big bales (harvested at 51% and 71% dry matter) at the full flower stage were given. The effective degradability of nitrogen (DegN) for a fresh forage estimated from the nylon bag procedure did not vary (p > 0.05) with the vegetation stage (0.727 for the bud stage, 0.694 at the first flower, 0.706 at the full flower). The DegN of the silage was higher (p < 0.05; 0.735) and the DegN of the wrapped big bale was markedly lower (p < 0.05; 0.660), than the original fresh forage at the first flower. The DegN of the wrapped big bales made at 51 and 71% DM, respectively, were 0.625 and 0.604 against 0.706 for fresh forage at the full flower stage. The concentrations of tN and NAN in the rumen fluid were low, highest 1 h to 2 h after feeding, and then decreasing up to 7 h after feeding whatever the growth stage and conservation mode. A part of the solubilised nitrogen remained as protein 1 h after feeding for fresh red clover harvested at various growth stages, while minimal protein could be seen in the rumen fluid after the sheep were fed silage or wrapped big bales. The part of NAN escaping rumen degradation and transiting with the rumen fluid was between 7 and 13% of the nitrogen disappearing from the nylon bags (NAN/CP x DegN) placed in the rumen. There was only a small difference for forages at different stages of growth, or modes of conservation. This fraction was higher for wrapped big bales and particularly for the late stage forage (wrapped big bale, 71% DM, harvested at the full flower stage).

The effect of adding an enzyme containing lactic acid bacterial inoculant to big round bale oat silage on intake, milk production and milk composition of Jersey cows

Ensiling of whole crop oats in wrapped big round bales is common in South Africa. Low numbers of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria present on whole crop oats prior to ensiling, as well as a low water soluble carbohydrate content, may have a detrimental effect on preservation of whole crop big bale oat silage. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of an enzyme containing lactic acid bacterial inoculant to big bale oat silage on silage composition, silage intake, milk production, and milk composition of Jersey cows. Oats ( Avena sativa, cv Cederberg), was planted on 30 April 1998 on 2 ha under dry land conditions in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The crop was cut on 3 September at the bloom stage, wilted and ensiled in big round bales. The inoculant was applied during the baling process on half of the bales. Bales were stored for 9 months, transported to Outeniqua Experimental farm and fed to Jersey cows. The control and inoculated oat silages were well preserved at a pH of 4.56 and 4.52 at a dry matter content of 317 and 328 g/kg silage. The in vitro organic matter digestibility as well as the crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre contents were unaffected by inoculant but the inoculated silage tended ( P=0.06) to have a lower level of butyric acid. Twenty-two multiparous Jersey cows were blocked into pairs and randomly allocated to control or inoculated silages. Whole crop oat silage was fed ad libitum and dairy concentrate was fed at 5.5 kg DM per cow per day. The intake of control and inoculated oat silage was 11.7 and 12.3 kg DM per cow per day ( P=0.09), respectively. Milk production of the cows fed the inoculated silage was 17.7 kg per cow per day compared to the 16.7 kg per cow per day for cows fed the control silage ( P=0.05). Cows fed the inoculated silage had lower ( P=0.01) milk urea nitrogen. Addition of the inoculant to big bale oat silage increased silage intake and milk production of Jersey cows.

The nutritive value of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) when treated with CaO, NaOH or a microbial inoculant and offered to dairy heifers as big-bale silage

AbstractA series of laboratory and animal studies examined the use of chemical and biological agents to enhance the digestibility of Rhodes grass (grass) cut at 60 (young) and 100 (mature) days of regrowth and ensiled as big round bales. The treatments included an untreated control (C), a microbial inoculant (I), NaOH, CaO and NaOH plus inoculant (NaOH + I). Inoculant was grown anaerobically, using a starter culture of rumen fluid from cattle given Rhodes grass. Treatments C, I, NaOH, NaOH + I, were offered separately to twelve dairy heifers, in a 3✕4 randomized complete block design, repeated twice for each grass silage. C and I had substantial mould growth, compared with no visible mould in NaOH or NaOH + I. CaO treatment was effective in preventing mould growth, but had little effect on the chemical composition and in sacco digestibility of mature grass silage. NaOH reduced NDF content and increased in sacco digestibility (P&lt; 0·05) but not the in vivo digestibility (P&gt; 0·05) of both mature- and young-grass silage. The effects of other treatments on nutritive value were non-significant at both stages of maturity. NaOH increased the intake of mature-grass silage by 24-26% (P&lt; 0·05), but had little effect on the intake of young-grass silage (P&gt; 0·05). Treatment I consistently reduced grass silage intake (P&lt; 0·05) for young-grass silage. The findings of these studies show that treating mature Rhodes grass with NaOH will improve its nutritive value and reduce mould growth in conserved herbage. However none of the treatments in this study had any consistently positive effects on the in vivo nutritive value or storage quality of young-grass silage.