The Sidney herald., 1958-12-03
SILAGE CONSIDERATIONS

The value of silage is not to be
underestimate in a feeding pro-
gram. Normally, a higher per-
centage of nutrients are conserved
in making silage than in dry
curing.
Our scientists tell us that 80
to IS percent of the original dry
matter may be retained as COM
pared to rs percent for dry cured
hay. We also know that protein
losses are greater, and that under
~unfavorable weather conditions,
the losses may be up to 500 in
dry cured hay. High tonnage
crops such as corr and sugar beet
tops and crowns may be pre-
served by SLIDING. There is, how
ever, a considerable variation in
the value of silage.
First of all, we must realize
that we cannot save any food
value that is not present in the
forage at the time of harvest. So
we must start with the forage to
be preserved.
Since legumes are high in pro-
tein and ash and low in carbo-
hydrates, it requires a higher
build-up of natural acids to bring
about the action needed for pre-
servation. Thus legumes are more
difficult to ensile and require
preservatives or the addition of
foods high in carbohydrates. For
cereals such as corn or sorghum,
the reverse is true and fermenta-
ton takes place quite readily.
A second factor is temperature
control. This is effected by the
excluding of air from the silage.
Packing takes place nor readily
when moisture is high. Packing
allows for temperature rise, but
may work in reverse if moisture
content is high and the silo is
filled too rapidly. 1t is necessary
to fill more slowly when wet
material is being used.
II too dry or too mature, more
packing and wetting becomes
necessary, but will not compen-
safe for a good choice of cutting
dates since drainage will occur.
About rs to 80 percent dry mat
ter or 70 to rs percent moisture
is ideal for silage production. 40
to 200 gallons of water per ton is
needed to bring moisture content
up to these figures.
When crops are allowed to be-
come too dry before ensiling,
nutrition losses r caused by
improper fermentation. Ideal con-
ditions for fermentation include
storing the forage in an alright
silo and putting in enough carbo-
hydrates for the production of
Tactic acid. This acid is formed
under alright, or near alright,
conditions by the action of bac-
terra on these carbohydrates in
the forage or mixed with the
forage. 1t the air is not sealed out
by the proper combination of
moisture and packing, other acids
such as butyric acid is formed.
This is apt to happen when the
temperature fails to reach 30
degrees F. or higher, and the
result is more loss of nutrients
through decomposition.
Further spoilage is prevented
by the use of alright covers and
packing to prevent air pockets.
due to seepage, contrary to
the general belief, actually in
.reases when over-mature crops
are ensiled. Losses cease at about
28% dry matter. Seepage losses
nav account for 2 to 10 percent
Of the total dry matter. The see
carries away large amounts
IF minerals and proteins and is
serious.
There are cases where the
above principles r carried fur
her than experience proves is
needed. Experienced farmers IN
his area have found in the case
If corn silage that it can be left
n the field long enough for desir-
able varieties to build up a fairly
high nutritive value before cut
ing. The resulting silage is
higher in total feed value than
he more immature cuttings. 1t
less total pounds of feed
get gains as long as nutrient
osses do not occur.
The adage, what's put into the
Jag is more important than how
the bag is, applies here.
Returns per acre from our
agricultural cre is determined
~ quality of products delivered
IS we'll as quantity.