Preservatives and the type of plastic used can make a difference in achieving high quality silage. Here are some recommendations for improving grass silage
We provide some recommendations to improve silage quality. “Grass silage is still the forgotten grain in forage production. The preservative and the plastic we use can make the difference to achieve a very good silo, which not only has an impact on production but also on the welfare of livestock,” explains José Manuel Rodríguez Medeiros, Sales and Marketing Manager at AIRA.
Preservatives
In the use of preservatives we can find two types based on their function in the silo. On the one hand, there are preservatives that aim to lower the pH of the silo by adding salts of organic acids (formic, propionic, lactic, etc.). This group includes solutions such as those proposed by Delagro, including Raysile.
On the other hand, preservatives can also help improve the quality of the silage, for which preparations that incorporate lactic bacteria that contribute to a more controlled, fast and homogeneous fermentation process of the grass are used. “With these preservatives, what is sought is that the fermentation begins earlier and in a controlled manner, so that silos of higher quality are obtained and losses are reduced,” Medeiros explains. To achieve this objective, AIRA is opting for products such as Josilac and Delasil. These types of products are generally recommended for all types of silos and grass conditions.
It is necessary to take care of the whole ensiling process to guarantee optimum results
“The use of preservatives will not make up for bad silage practices, but preservatives are designed to alleviate certain meteorological adversities that may occur during ensiling,” says Rodríguez Medeiros. It is necessary to take care of the whole silage process to guarantee optimum results.
Cover the silo tightly
The plastic used to cover the grass silo can also make the difference to achieve high quality silage. AIRA’s Marketing Department points out that solutions such as
The central plastic is the two-color Oxiprotec film, which prevents oxygen from entering the forage to ensure good anaerobic fermentation. It also acts as an anti-light and anti-heat barrier. This provides good insulation between the forage mass and the outside to achieve an anaerobic environment for proper preservation.
This plastic is combined with Triotech technology , a transparent impermeable plastic that adheres to the surface of the forage to guarantee the absence of oxygen, the main enemy in silage preservation. “Placing this film between the forage and the outer plastic reduces losses, reduces the risk of contamination by toxins and increases the quality of the silage,” says Rodriguez Medeiros. In addition, as this plastic is adhered to the forage, it helps to better preserve it once the silo is opened, as it prevents oxygen from entering through the top layer into the silo.
Preservatives and the type of plastic can make the difference to achieve high quality silage
Finally, the silo is covered with Silonet, the outermost covering of the silage, a raffia mesh that ensures the protection of the plastic to preserve the silo, avoiding breakage and contamination.
“Opting for this triple combination when covering the silo reduces risks and improves silage quality, but it is necessary to take the utmost care throughout the silage process to achieve the best results,” Medeiros concludes.
