Average cost of having stores treated £0.28 per tonne
“
Layering the forage will result in an aerobically stable silage
in the clamp in layers no thicker than 15cm and rolling each layer between loads. This will result in an aerobically stable silage, that shouldn’t heat up, therefore re- ducing the risks of mould growth and mycotoxin formation.”
Clamp properly Following compaction, it is im- portant to sheet the clamp prop- erly to ensure an air tight seal, explains Dr Davies. Making the clamp airtight helps to prevent contamination – reducing the risk of any mycotoxin development. “I would advise using a side
ly impair rumen function result- ing in acidosis type symptoms.”
Drop in yields
These symptoms can include problems such as diarrhoea, caus- ing drops in milk yields and but- terfat. Yet simple measures, such as improved consolidation and better sealing of the clamp can signifi cantly help reduce the risk of in-storage moulds developing. When rolling grass in the
clamp, producers should aim to achieve a target density of 750kg of fresh matter/m3. This is equiv- alent to 220-250 kg of dry matter per cubic metre, explains Dave Davies, from Silage Solutions UK. “A high
density can be achieved by layering the forage
equates to more than £1,000, he explains. “It is vital that farmers account for all the possible risk ar- eas now, to maximise the end feed value and ultimately the milk from forage output.” Mr Hope says that the cut-
ting time is crucial, as it’s directly linked to the quality of the grass in the clamp. From mid-May on- wards these begin to decline, as the grass starts to produce stems and heads which are lower in digesti- bility, reducing the feed quality of the silage.
“Consolidation is critical, which
sheet, oxygen barrier fi lm and top sheet. Suffi cient top weight should then be applied to form a fi rm seal. The junction between the wall, the top sheet and the ramp, are often problem areas and require particular care,” says Dr Davies.
Miss Clarke says silage re- mains the cheapest option for winter feed. But she adds that it is critical to harvest and ensile grass properly, to ensure produc- tion of a high-quality feed that presents a low risk of mycotoxin contamination.
“While taking precautions at harvest will lower the opportu- nity for contamination with my- cotoxin producing moulds,
it’s
always advisable to carry out a mycotoxin test once the clamp is opened. Preferably, a sample should be taken from the total mixed ration to give an accurate picture.”
is why I always advise to adhere to the 400 rule when it comes to rolling the pit. Crudely speaking, this multiplies the rate of ensi- lage per hour by 400, giving us the weight required to compact the silo to achieve minimum losses. “Compaction and clamp loss- es are directly related Oxygen is the enemy of silage production, so it’s vital it’s squeezed out when fi lling and covering the clamp. “If room on the clamp, or machinery availability is an issue, slowing the speed of harvest is the same as adding weight.”
Average cost of rejection due to bugs £4.00 per tonne
Why wouldn’t you have your stores treated by a professional?
Call Dealey today 01359 269713 09R51B
CBS Grain Walls offer the perfect solution for grain storage
Interlocking grain wall
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grain can be loaded on either or both sides
7 day delivery Call Ben Chalk on
CBS GRAIN WALLS
Call Ben Chalk on Freephone
0808 189 1258 or email
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cbs-concreteproducts.co.uk JUNE 2017 • ANGLIA FARMER 47
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