Conventional Silage Research Articles

57 Dry matter intake in mares fed oat roughage under different preservation forms

Forage conservation in the hay form is commonly used in the feeding of equines, but due to technical difficulties for conservation and availability for the market, forages with different conservation conditions (silage and pre-dried silage) have been provided as alternatives. However, few studies still cover the effects of the different forms of roughage conservation in equine nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate variations in dry matter intake by mares fed with different forms of roughage conservation of the oat plant. In a 3-way Crossover Design, 6 healthy mares, mixed breed, aged between 3 and 13 years, were individually confined in 24m2 bays, with ad libitum water supply. The mares received 3 different treatments: oat hay, conventional oat silage, and pre-dried oat silage. The treatment adaptation period was 18 d, followed by 5 d of data collection. The roughages have been provided ad libitum. For dry matter intake evaluation the quantities of roughage provided, leftovers, and waste for each animal were measured. The animals were dewormed, and a dental examination was also performed before the beginning of the experiment. The collected data were submitted to ANOVA statistical analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. A GLM procedure was performed to compare the diets used. Significant variation was observedbetween treatments (P = 0.0015), in which pre-dried silage and hay showed higher consumption (9.15 kg/DM/day and 9.08 kg/DM/day respectively) compared with conventional silage (7.9 kg/DM/day). The low dry matter (DM) density of conventional silage (25% DM) for about hay (87% DM) and pre-dried silage (46% DM) may have caused greater filling of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, causing faster satiety and contributed for the consumption variation. Another point to be highlighted is the concentration of organic acids and pH in the silages, in which the conventional silage had a higher acetic acid content (25621.4 mg/kg/DM) which had the lowest pH (4.2), while the pre-dried silage had the lowest pH acid (456.5 mg/kg/DM) and higher pH (5.1), suggesting that conventional silage, more acid, led to its lower consumption, since according to the literature, horses prefer sweeter foods. In the hay, there is an absence of organic acids due to its way of conservation by dehydration. Oat hay and pre-dried oat silage have better dry matter intake compared with conventional oat silage for mares under the evaluated conditions.

Changes of the fermentation quality and microbial community during re-ensiling of sweet corn stalk silage

In order to investigate the effects of re-ensiling on the fermentation quality and microbial community, the present work simulated the conditions of silage transfer and re-ensiling to check for possible effects of exposure to air on the fermentation quality and microbial communities of the sweet corn stalk (SCS) silage. The SCS harvested at the milky stage was ensiled for 90 d and 180 d, respectively. The silage ensiled for 90 d was opened and exposed to the air for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h, respectively, then re-ensiled for 90 d. The SCS silage directly ensiled for 180 d was the control. Results showed that the SCS silage ensiled for 90 d had good fermentation quality and kept well within 48 h aerobic exposure. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in pH values, organic acids and NH3-N contents between re-ensiled and control silages. Ensiling for 90 d and 180 d significantly decreased (p<.05) the counts of microorganisms and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacillus in silage. In the re-ensiled silage ensiled after 48 h exposure, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased, and that of undesirable bacteria like Paenibacillus, Acetobacter, Methylobacterium, Clostridium, Pleurocapsa and Bacillus increased, compared to the conventional silage. In summary, ensiling SCS was an effective approach to preserve nutrition, and re-ensiling within 48 h of aerobic exposure affected the bacteria community but did not affect the fermentation quality of SCS silage. Highlights Sweet corn stalk (SCS) silage had good fermentation quality and kept well within 48 h aerobic exposure. Ensiling increased the relative abundance of desirable bacteria Lactobacillus. Re-ensiling within 48 h exposure did not affect the fermentation quality of SCS silage.

Evaluation of forage production, feed value, and ensilability of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Whole-plant corn (Zea may L.) and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are major summer crops that can be fed as direct-cut or silage. Proso millet is a short-season growing crop with distinct agronomic characteristics that can be productive in marginal lands. However, information is limited about the potential production, feed value, and ensilability of proso millet forage. We evaluated proso millet as a silage crop in comparison with conventional silage crops. Proso millet was sown on June 8 and harvested on September 5 at soft-dough stage. Corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid were planted on May 10 and harvested on September 10 at the half milk-line and soft-dough stages, respectively. The fermentation was evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 days after ensiling. Although forage yield of proso millet was lower than corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, its relative feed value was greater than sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. Concentrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and water-soluble carbohydrate decreased commonly in the ensiling forage crops. The DM loss was greater in proso millet than those in corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. The in vitro dry matter digestibility declined in the forage crops as fermentation progressed. In the early stages of fermentation, pH dropped rapidly, which was stabilized in the later stages. Compared to corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen was greater in proso millet. The count of lactic acid bacteria reached the maximum level on day 10, with the values of 6.96, 7.77, and 6.95 Log10 CFU/g fresh weight for proso millet, corn, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, respectively. As ensiling progressed, the concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid of the three crops increased and lactic acid proportion became higher in the order of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, corn, and proso millet. Overall, the shorter, fast-growing proso millet comparing with corn and sorghum-sudangrass hybrid makes this forage crop an alternative option, particularly in areas where agricultural inputs are limited. However, additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of viable strategies such as chemical additives or microbial inoculants to minimize ammonia-nitrogen formation and DM loss during ensiling.

Cup plant, an alternative to conventional silage from a LCA perspective

The growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity in agroecosystems in increasing and ensuring the supply of biomass has led to heightened interest from governments and farmers in alternative crops. This article assesses one such alternative crop, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), in terms of the environmental aspects of cultivation for forage production. Many studies have previously focused on cup plant, but so far, this plant has not been assessed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. This study compares the environmental load of cup plant with the most commonly grown silage crops in Central European conditions—maize—and with another common forage crop—lucerne using LCA. The system boundaries include all the processes from cradle to farm gate and both mass-based (1 ton of dry matter) and area-based (1 ha of monoculture) functional units were chosen for the purposes of this study. The results cover the impact categories related to the agricultural LCAs, and the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) characterization model was used for the data expression, by using SimaPro 9.0.0.40 software. This study compares the cultivation of cup plant with the most commonly grown silage crop in Central European conditions—maize—and with another common forage crop—lucerne. The paper shows the potential of cup plant to replace conventional silage (maize and lucerne silage mix) with certain environmental savings in selected impact categories, and importantly, while still maintaining the same performance levels in dairy farming as with conventional silage, as already reported in previous publications. For the Czech Republic alone, this would, in practice, mean replacing up to 50,000 ha of silage maize and reducing the environmental load by about tens of percent or more within the various impact categories and years of cultivation. Cup plant can replace the yield and quality of silage maize, represents a lower environmental load per unit of production and unit of area and generally carries many other benefits. Thus, cup plant is a recommendable option for dairy farming. Given the recent experience and knowledge of the issue, the cup plant can be considered an effective alternative to conventional silage.

Аналіз ефективності технології заготівлі сінажу в полімерних рукавах

In terms of nutrient content, haymaking occupies an intermediate position between the silo and hay, which is why it was called "haymaking", or haying. Unlike conventional silage, the conservation of which is caused by the accumulation of organic acids (mainly lactic), which are formed as a result of fermentation, the conservation of haying is achieved due to the physical dryness of the environment. The purpose of our research was to prove the efficiency and feasibility of using polymer sleeves compared to conventional haymaking technology. Material and methodology of research. To achieve the goal and solve the set tasks, we used general scientific and special methods of research, which provided the objectivity and reliability of the main provisions of scientific research and formulated conclusions: the method of systematic analysis - in the formation of theoretical and methodological base of research and theoretical generalization, methods of mathematical modeling were also used and forecast. The use of induction, deduction, analysis, and synthesis techniques has made it possible to generalize the existing scientific approaches to hay-harvesting technology. Benchmarking - revealed a more efficient method of harvesting hay. Annual reports of the Native Territory branch of PJSC “Zernoproduct MHP” on financial and production activity, as well as plans of utilization and fulfillment of production tasks of the economy in recent years were used for the research. BUDISSA BAG X-TREME – polymer sleeves made with the latest 7-layer extrusion technology and have three years of flawless worldwide responses. Taking into account the fact that when laying hay in the polymer sleeves, haying of the first class of quality was obtained, and when laying in the trenches still the second class, in addition to economic efficiency, we also took into account the indicators of quality and nutrition of feed. Therefore, we received an additional 60,000 MJ of pure lactation energy and 1,320,000 MJ of exchange energy, as well as 25,000 kg of crude protein. The analysis did not take into account the fact that these nutrients resulted in an additional amount of animal production and therefore an additional profit. Analyzing the costs above, it should be noted that by reducing feed losses and better feed preservation, without considering the loss of energy nutrition, the technology of harvesting into polymer sleeves is economically feasible.

4 Effect of Inclusion Rate of Silage With or Without the Presence of Alpha-Amylase on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Efficiency Measures

Abstract One hundred ninety-two Continental × British steers (initial BW 420 kg [SD 24.7]) were used in a randomized complete block design finishing study to evaluate the effects of feeding two types of silage germplasm at two inclusion rates. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with either a conventional (CON) or increased expression of alpha-amylase (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, ENO) hybrid fed at either 12% (12SIL) or 24% (24SIL) of diet DM. Steers were blocked (n = 5) and assigned randomly within block to treatments, resulting in five pens and 48 steers per treatment. Steers were harvested after 126 (12SIL) or 140 (24SIL) days on feed. There were no silage source by inclusion rate interactions detected for live growth performance. Silage source did not affect live based average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), or final BW (FBW; P ≥ 0.35). Feeding 24% silage reduced ADG (P = 0.04) and G:F (P = 0.01) but increased FBW (P = 0.02) compared to 12SIL. A source by inclusion rate interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for calculated yield grade (YG) with steers fed 24% silage having increased YG within CON but not ENO. Hot carcass weight and ribfat were unaffected by silage source (P ≥ 0.81), but were increased by feeding 24% silage (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Feeding increased amounts of silage increased beef produced per hectare (P = 0.05). Conventional silage produced more beef per hectare (P &amp;lt; 0.01) due to differences in silage yield, but source of silage did not affect feedlot performance independent of silage yield. Feeding increased amounts of silage reduced DM efficiency on a live animal basis but increased beef produced per hectare which is of major value to cattle feeders who produce the majority of their own feedstuffs.

Effect of inclusion rate of silage with or without alpha-amylase trait on finishing steer growth performance, carcass characteristics, and agronomic efficiency measures.

One hundred ninety-two Continental × British steers [initial body weight (BW) = 420 kg (standard deviation = 24.7)] were used in a randomized complete block design finishing study to evaluate the effects of feeding two types of silage germplasm at two inclusion rates. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with either a conventional hybrid (Golden Harvest G07B39-311A, Syngenta Seeds LLC, Minnetonka, MN; CON) or a hybrid with increased expression of alpha-amylase (Syngenta Enogen Feed corn, Golden Harvest E107B3-3011A-EVT5, Syngenta Seeds, LLC; ENO) fed at either 12% (12SIL) or 24% (24SIL) of diet dry matter. Steers were blocked by source and location (source 1: first three pen replicates, n = 10 steers per pen with a fourth pen replicate of six steers per pen; source 2: one pen replicate, n = 12 steers per pen) and assigned randomly within block to treatments, resulting in five pens and 48 steers per treatment. Steers were harvested after 126 (12SIL) or 140 (24SIL) days on feed (DOF). There were no silage hybrid by inclusion rate interactions detected for live growth performance (P ≥ 0.15). Silage hybrid did not affect average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), or final BW (FBW; P ≥ 0.35). Feeding 24% silage reduced ADG (P = 0.04) and increased G:F (P = 0.01) but increased FBW (P = 0.02) because of greater DOF compared with 12SIL. A hybrid by inclusion rate interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for calculated yield grade (YG) with steers fed 24SIL having increased YG within CON but not ENO. Hot carcass weight and rib fat were unaffected by silage hybrid (P ≥ 0.81) but were increased by feeding 24SIL (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Feeding increased amounts of silage increased beef produced per hectare (P = 0.05). Source of silage did not affect feedlot growth performance of cattle but, because of slight differences in estimated silage yield, conventional silage produced more kilograms of beef per hectare (P < 0.01). Feeding increased amounts of silage reduced G:F on both a live and carcass-adjusted basis but increased kilograms of beef produced per unit of land, which is paramount to cattle feeders who grow their own feedstuffs.

Comparison of feeding diets diluted with sorghum-sudangrass silage or low-quality grass on nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance of Holstein dairy heifers

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutrient intakes and growth of dairy heifers offered an alfalfa silage-corn silage diet (CON; 14.3% crude protein, 61.1% total digestible nutrients, 47.9% neutral detergent fiber) compared with diets containing 1 of 2 types of sorghum-sudangrass (SS) silages: conventional or photoperiod sensitive. The objective of the study was to determine the potential to use SS to control dry matter (DM) and nutrient intakes and weight gain. Both diets were similar in nutrient composition, with approximately 13% crude protein, 60 to 61% total digestible nutrients, and 55% neutral detergent fiber. Seventy-two Holstein heifers (16-18 mo at study initiation) were blocked by initial body weight (light = 422 ± 12.8 kg; medium = 455 ± 14.8 kg; heavy = 489 ± 16.7 kg) with 3 pens assigned to each weight block (8 heifers/pen; 24 heifers/block). The 3 diets were randomly allocated to the pens within each block and offered for 12 wk. Heifers offered the CON diet had greater DM, protein, and energy intakes compared with those offered the SS silage-based diets due to the greater neutral detergent fiber concentration of the SS diets. With lower DM and nutrient intakes, average daily gain was in the recommended range (0.8-1 kg/d for Holstein heifers) for heifers offered the SS silage-based diets (mean of 0.92 kg/d for both SS diets vs. 1.11 kg/d for CON). Sorting behaviors for heifers offered both SS diets were more aggressive against long, medium, and short particles compared with those of heifers offered the CON diet; however, heifers sorted large particles from photoperiod-sensitive silage more aggressively than those from conventional silage. Based on this study, SS silage-based diets can control the DM and energy intakes for heifers and maintain optimum growth rates, with harvesting at a shorter chop length likely helping to alleviate sorting issues.

Effect of re-ensiling on the quality of sorghum silage

The commercialization of silage in many countries, including Brazil, has increased in recent years. Re-ensiling of previously ensiled forage occurs when silage is relocated from one farm to another, where it will be compacted and sealed again. During this process, silage is exposed to oxygen before being ensiled, which may affect its quality. We exposed sorghum silage to air during the anaerobic storage phase to simulate the transportation of silages between farms. Experimental treatments included silage exposed to air for 0 or 12 h, with or without the use of an inoculant containing a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and the propionic bacteria Propionibacterium acidipropionici (1 × 106 cfu/g of forage; Biomax corn, Lallemand, Saint-Simon, France), totaling 4 treatments: conventional silage, conventional silage with inoculant use, re-ensilage after exposure to air, and re-ensilage after exposure to air with use of an inoculant. The sorghum was stored in experimental silos containing about 9.0 kg of fresh forage per replicate. Treatments were tested in a factorial 2 × 2 design with 5 replicates each. Chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility, fermentative characteristics, losses (due to gas, effluents, and total dry matter), microorganism counts, and aerobic stability of sorghum silage were evaluated. Dry matter content of sorghum before ensiling was 273.12 g/kg. The 12-h re-ensiling process increased the effluent loss of the silage when compared with conventional silage (456.42 vs. 201.19 g/kg of FM, respectively). In addition, re-ensiled silages presented lower concentrations of lactic acid and higher concentrations of propionic acid than the silages that had not been opened during storage. The aerobic stability of silage was not affected by the re-ensiling process and the use of inoculant. The use of inoculant increased the pH and loss of dry matter of the silages (4.23 vs. 3.98 and 14.05 vs. 7.82%, respectively) and therefore did not provide any benefits in this study.

Biogenic amines and mycotoxins concentrations in baled silage from organic and conventional farms

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to investigate biogenic amines and mycotoxins concentrations in baled silage (mainly Poaceae family grasses) prepared in organic and conventional farms and to relate these parameters to fermentative parameters. The mean dry matter (DM) content was 364.10±93.31 and 424.70±95.93g/kg in the silage from organic and conventional farms respectively. The silage samples from organic farms had 17.00% higher (P≤ 0.05) tyramine (TY) than the silage from conventional farms. Conventional farm samples were characterized by 46.00% higher histamine (HIS) (P≤ 0.05), 9.80% higher putrescine (PUT) (P≤ 0.05), 17.30% higher cadaverine (CAD) (P≤ 0.05). Aflatoxins (AFL) (total) and zearalenone (ZEN), T-2/HT-2 concentrations were higher respectively 16.00% (P≤ 0.05) and 13.40% (P≤ 0.05), 1.80% (P≤ 0.05) in the silage prepared in organic farms. Deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration was higher 42.40% (P≤ 0.05) in silage from conventional farms. Volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactic acid, ethanol, pH and ammonia nitrogen showed that the silage samples from organic and conventional farms were of good quality. Our study suggests differences in biogenic amine formation or mycotoxins content in silage from organic and conventional farming, but, overall, the measured values are too low to be relevant for animal health. Furthermore, these differences might as well be due to the difference in dry matter content and plant maturity between the organic and conventional silage samples.

Does increasing plant population density alter sugar yield in high stalk-sugar maize hybrids?

Escalating demands for food and green energy have renewed interest in the dual-purpose use of maize (Zea mays L.) for a biofuel and high-energy forage crop. Recently, maize hybrids with high stalk-sugar (sugarcorn) have been developed. It is important to determine how agronomic practices, for example altering plant population density (PPD), affect stalk-sugar yields of these newly developed hybrids and to advance knowledge required for producing sugarcorn as a dual-purpose bioenergy–high energy silage crop in short-season regions unable to grow sugarcane. A field experiment was conducted for 3 years to assess the effect of PPD on stalk-sugar accumulation, dry matter production, silage and sucrose yields of sugarcorn compared with two commercial silage hybrids. Targeted PPD ranged from 75 000 to 150 000 plants ha–1 in increments of 25 000 plants ha–1. We found that increasing PPD from 75 000 to 125 000 plants ha–1 increased stalk sugar concentrations by up to 25% in some of the sugarcorn hybrids, with minimum change in the conventional check hybrids. The sugarcorn hybrid CO348 × C103 had the highest stalk sugar concentration (128 g kg–1) and sucrose yield of up to 3.8 Mg ha–1 at the targeted PPD of 125 000 (or actual 118 000 ± 7000) plants ha–1. By contrast, the check silage hybrids produced at most 2.0 Mg ha–1 of sucrose yield with much lower stalk sugar concentrations (53–65 g kg–1). Sugarcorn hybrids had generally lower grain yield with greater plant barrenness (the failure of a plant to produce a normal ear) and severer head smut infestation than the conventional silage hybrids. Our results suggest that as a silage crop, the current recommended PPD of 75 000–85 000 plants ha–1 for commercial silage maize production in the region is likely suitable for sugarcorn, and a higher PPD is required if sugarcorn hybrids are designated as a biofuel crop or for dual-purpose use.

A process-based emission model of volatile organic compounds from silage sources on farms

Silage on dairy farms can emit large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a precursor in the formation of tropospheric ozone. Because of the challenges associated with direct measurements, process-based modeling is another approach for estimating emissions of air pollutants from sources such as those from dairy farms. A process-based model for predicting VOC emissions from silage was developed and incorporated into the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM, v. 4.3), a whole-farm simulation of crop, dairy, and beef production systems. The performance of the IFSM silage VOC emission model was evaluated using ethanol and methanol emissions measured from conventional silage piles (CSP), silage bags (SB), total mixed rations (TMR), and loose corn silage (LCS) at a commercial dairy farm in central California. With transport coefficients for ethanol refined using experimental data from our previous studies, the model performed well in simulating ethanol emission from CSP, TMR, and LCS; its lower performance for SB could be attributed to possible changes in face conditions of SB after silage removal that are not represented in the current model. For methanol emission, lack of experimental data for refinement likely caused the underprediction for CSP and SB whereas the overprediction observed for TMR can be explained as uncertainty in measurements. Despite these limitations, the model is a valuable tool for comparing silage management options and evaluating their relative effects on the overall performance, economics, and environmental impacts of farm production. As a component of IFSM, the silage VOC emission model was used to simulate a representative dairy farm in central California. The simulation showed most silage VOC emissions were from feed lying in feed lanes and not from the exposed face of silage storages. This suggests that mitigation efforts, particularly in areas prone to ozone non-attainment status, should focus on reducing emissions during feeding. For the simulated dairy farm, a reduction of around 30% was found if cows were housed and fed in a barn rather than in an open lot, and 23% if feeds were delivered as four feedings per day rather than as one. Reducing the exposed face of storage can also be useful. Simulated use of silage bags resulted in 90% and 18% reductions in emissions from the storage face and whole farm, respectively.

Biogas production from silage maize hybrids

Experiments have been underway in Martonvásár for many years to develop leafy silage hybrids, which have a greater aboveground mass than conventional silage hybrids. The best hybrids for biogas production would be those that produce a large quantity of biomass and are rich in starch. The chief characteristic of leafy hybrids is that they have more leaves than normal hybrids. Due to this enhanced leaf area above the ear, the vegetative period of leafy genotypes is shorter, while the grain-filling period is longer, which has a positive effect on both yield and grain quality. The results of the present experiment show that during the anaerobic fermentation of the silage, leafy hybrids produced more biogas (640 l per 1000 g dry matter) than conventional hybrids (606 l per 1000 g dry matter). There were no significant differences between the methane contents of the leafy and non-leafy hybrids tested in the experiment. A strong positive correlation was found between biogas yield and the starch content of the silage, and a moderate positive correlation between biogas yield and the sugar content. The correlation between biogas yield and the lignin and protein contents was negative, in accordance with other literary data.

The microbiological and chemical composition of silage over the course of fermentation in round bales relative to that of silage made from unchopped and precision‐chopped herbage in laboratory silos

AbstractThe composition of baled silage frequently differs from that of comparable conventional silage. A factorial experiment was conducted with three wilting treatments (0, 24 or 48 h) × three ensiling systems [unchopped grass in bales, unchopped grass in laboratory silos (LS), precision‐chopped grass in LS] × six stages of ensiling to (i) confirm that the fermentation of unchopped grass in LS could be used as an adequate model for baled silage fermentation, (ii) quantify the differences between baled silage and silage made from precision‐chopped herbage across a range of dry‐matter contents and (c) quantify the fermentation dynamics within the various treatments. The onset of fermentation as evidenced by the accumulation of fermentation products and the decline in pH were slower (P &lt; 0·05) in baled silage compared with silage made from precision‐chopped herbage. Furthermore the pH (P &lt; 0·001) and overall concentration of fermentation acids (P &lt; 0·01) were lower while ammonia‐N concentration was generally higher in baled silage, making it more conducive to the activities of Clostridia, Enterobacteria and yeast. Numbers of Enterobacteria were higher (P &lt; 0·001) in baled silage in the early stages of ensilage and persisted in baled silage at the end of the storage period. The implications of a slower onset of fermentation in baled herbage are greater in farm practice, as the fermentation would be further restricted by a more extensive wilting of the herbage prior to ensiling.

The relative impacts of wilting, chopping, compaction and air infiltration on the conservation characteristics of ensiled grass

SummaryThe chemical composition of baled silage frequently differs from that of comparable conventional silage. The extents of wilting, chopping, compaction and air infiltration potentially contribute to these differences in conservation characteristics. An experiment was organized in a 3 (0, 24 or 48‐h wilting to influence herbage dry‐matter content) × 2 (unchopped or chopped) × 2 (with or without compaction) × 2 (with or without air infiltration) factorial arrangement of treatments, to elucidate the relative effects of these factors on the conservation characteristics of ensiled grass. Dry‐matter content of herbage and infiltration of air had a greater effect on silage conservation characteristics than chopping and compaction. The main interactions were between wilting and air infiltration, wilting and compaction, and compaction and air infiltration. Air infiltration stimulated a secondary fermentation in the unwilted herbage, reflected in a large increase (P &lt; 0·001) in clostridial activity. As wilting progressed, air infiltration facilitated yeast respiration of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and resulted in an increase (P &lt; 0·001) in in‐silo fresh‐weight losses. Compaction reduced (P &lt; 0·05) silage pore space and, as a result, the extent to which air could penetrate the silage mass. Compaction of the wilted herbage restricted respiration and was reflected in increased (P &lt; 0·05) concentrations of WSC and in a reduction (P &lt; 0·001) in fresh‐weight loss. The rapid achievement and maintenance of adequately anaerobic conditions is the primary requirement for baled silage. This study showed that failure to achieve this will lead to progressively greater losses, especially with drier herbage.

Ensilage of wilted whole crop rice (Oryza sativa L.) using a roll baler for chopped material: Silage quality in long‐term storage

AbstractWe examined the effects of long‐term storage on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and digestibility of wilted whole crop rice silage prepared using a roll baler for chopped material (set chop length, 13 mm) and compared the results with those obtained by using a conventional roll baler. The roll balers were used for ensiling whole crop rice of three types: (i) dough‐ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter); (ii) dough‐ripe stage with heavy wilting (65% dry matter); and (iii) yellow‐ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter). The apparent dry matter density was higher in the ensiled roll bales composed of chopped whole crop rice (chopped bales) than in those composed of non‐chopped whole crop rice (conventional bales) (195–250 kg m−3 vs 156–218 kg m−3, respectively). The formation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐nitrogen was low in all types of silage. Further, no marked differences in the chemical composition and apparent dry matter digestibility were observed between silage from the two types of bales. However, there were significant differences in their lactic acid and ethanol contents. The lactic acid production in the conventional silage was low (0.08–0.14% fresh matter), whereas that in the chopped silage was high (0.71–0.97% fresh matter). A lower pH value (pH 4.0–4.3) was retained in the chopped silage after 10 months of storage. High ethanol production (1.1–2.5% fresh matter) was observed in the conventional silage, whereas ethanol production decreased to less than 1% in the chopped silage. These results indicate that although the ethanol fermentation is readily enhanced in the ensilage of wilted whole crop rice performed by a conventional baler, the ensilage performed by a baler for chopped material encourages lactic acid fermentation and suppresses ethanol production over a wide moisture range throughout the long‐term storage.

Use of absorbants and inoculants to enhance the quality of corn silage

This study examined whether inoculants and various absorbent materials could be used during ensiling to reduce effluent losses and improve nutritive value of corn silage. Two corn forages were harvested: conventional silage containing 29% dry matter (DM) and low DM silage containing 20% DM. Ninety-six mini-silos (10 cm × 1 m) were each prepared using 2.7 kg of chopped corn forage and one of the following compounds and add rates (fresh basis): no additive (control); 5, 10 or 15% ground barley; 5, 10 or 15% powdered whey; 5, 10 or 15% dried molasses; 1% bentonite; 1% zeolite; 0.5% zeolite plus 0.5% limestone; commercial inoculant containing Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionic bacteria sp. (Biotal™, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Rexdale, ON; 2 mg kg-1 fresh forage); commercial inoculant containing Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici (Feedtech™, DeLaval, Tumba, Sweden; 24 mg kg-1 fresh forage ); and 1% zeolite plus Biotal inoculant. Effluent loss from the control low DM silage was high (74 mL...

Hybrid and N Fertilization Affect Corn Silage Yield and Quality

AbstractWe determined the effect of N fertilization on dry matter (DM) yield, predicted milk yield, and forage quality of fresh (green chopped) and ensiled forage of two brown midrib (BMR) hybrids, a leafy hybrid, and a conventional silage hybrid. Increasing N rates from 0 to 200 kg ha−1 increased corn grain, stover and whole plant DM yield and milk yield. The forage yield and quality response to N was similar for all hybrids. Nitrogen fertilization increased forage crude protein (CP) concentration but had little effect on other forage quality components. BMR hybrids, F377 and F657, had the lowest grain, stover and whole plant yield but had the highest digestibility and predicted milk yield Mg−1 of forage. Predicted milk yield ha−1 was similar for the BMR, leafy and conventional hybrids. Ensiling reduced starch concentration compared with green chopped forage, but effects on other forage quality variables were less consistent. Hybrid and N fertilization affects were similar for green chopped and ensiled corn forage.

Corn Residue Level and Manure Application Timing Effects on Phosphorus Losses in Runoff

Growing interest in corn (Zea mays L.) silage utilization on Wisconsin dairy farms may have implications for nutrient losses from agricultural lands. Increasing the silage cutting height will increase residue cover and could reduce off-site migration of sediments and associated constituents compared with conventional silage harvesting. We examined the effects of residue level and manure application timing on phosphorus (P) losses in runoff from no-till corn. Treatments included conventional corn grain (G) and silage (SL; 10- to 15-cm cutting height) and nonconventional, high-cut (60-65 cm) silage (SH) subjected to different manure application regimes: no manure (N) or surface application in fall (F) or spring (S). Simulated rainfall (76 mm h(-1); 1 h) was applied in spring and fall for two years (2002-2003), runoff from 2.0- x 1.5-m plots was collected, and subsamples were analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total phosphorus (TP), and P mass distribution in four particle size classes. Total P and DRP loads were inversely related to percent residue cover, but both TP and DRP concentrations were unaffected by residue level. Manure application increased DRP concentrations in spring runoff by two to five times but did not significantly affect DRP loads, since higher concentrations were offset by lower runoff volumes. Spring manure application reduced TP loads in spring runoff by 77 to 90% compared with plots receiving no manure, with the extent of reductions being greatest at the lower residue levels (<24%). The TP concentration in sediments increased as particle size decreased. Manure application increased the TP concentration of the 0- to 2-microm fraction by 79 to 125%, but elevated the 2- to 10- and 10- to 50-microm fractions to a lesser extent. Recent manure additions were most influential in enriching transported sediments with P. By itself, higher residue cover achieved by high-cutting silage was often insufficient to lower P losses; however, the combination of manure application and higher residue levels significantly reduced P losses from corn fields harvested for silage.

Residue Level and Manure Application Timing Effects on Runoff and Sediment Losses

There is growing interest in evaluating the effects of corn silage harvesting methods on erosion control. Increasing the silage cutting height will increase residue cover and could conceivably minimize off-site migration of sediments compared with conventional silage harvesting. The effects of residue level and manure application timing on runoff and sediment losses from no-till corn were examined. Treatments included conventional corn grain (G) and silage (SL) and nonconventional, high-cut (60-65 cm) silage (SH). Corn harvesting treatments were subjected to different manure application regimes: no manure (N) or surface application in fall (F) or spring (S). Simulated rainfall (76 mm/h; 1 h) was applied in spring and fall for two years (2002-2003), runoff from 2.0- x 1.5-m plots collected, and a subsample analyzed for sediment concentration and aggregate size distribution. Runoff volume was inversely related to residue cover. Manure addition to silage plots reduced spring runoff by 71 to 88%, attributable to an increase in soil organic matter content, compared with SH-N and SL-N. Differences in sediment concentration between SH and SL were not significant. For silage plots, spring-applied manure had the greatest influence on sediment export reducing it by 84 to 93% in spring runoff compared with corresponding N plots. Sediment loads were also 85 to 97% lower from SH-S compared with SL-N in all four seasons. Except for spring 2003, sediment export was lower from G compared with SL. The combination of manure and higher residue associated with high-cut silage often lowered sediment export compared with low-cut silage. Nearly identical aggregate size distributions were observed in sediments from SH and SL plots. High residue levels combined with spring-applied manure led to enrichment in the clay-sized fraction of runoff sediment. Recently applied manure and higher residue levels achieved by high-cutting silage can substantially lower sediment losses in spring runoff when soil is most susceptible to erosion.