[Factors influencing the bulk density of grass silage]
1995
Rohner, R. | Wyss, U. (Eidg. Forschungsanstalt fuer viehwirtschaftliche Produktion (FAG), Posieux (Switzerland))
Data analysis comprising 140 experiments on grass silage beginning in 1976 showed that the bulk density of grass at silo filling is dependent on its dry matter and fibre contents, botanical composition, and chop length. A dry matter content of 35 % resulted in the highest mean dry matter density, whereas fresh matter density decreased with increasing dry matter content. Bulk density is negatively correlated with fibre content, which is to a certain extent given by the age and the botanical composition of the grass. In 68 experiments grass was harvested with a forage harvester leading to a shorter chop length and a more regular and higher compaction compared to grass picked up and cut by a self-loading trailer. We believe that silage technique and structural properties of the grass influence compaction to a greater degree in long-chopped grass than in short-chopped grass. Finally a high dry matter density was proved to be associated with improved silage quality and reduced dry matter losses
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