Ensiling of barley grain. Optimum harvest time
1996
Pettersson, T. | Martinsson, K. (SLU, Umeaa (Sweden). Inst. foer Norrlaendsk Jordbruksvetenskap) | Lingvall, P.
Barley, combine-harvested at different ripening stages during 4 consecutive seasons was ensiled rolled, with propionic acid as an additive, and with a DM content below 600 g per kg, in an attempt to find the harvest stage that would ensure the highest amount of nutrients per hectare after ensiling. The highest DM content of starch including maltodextrins, both before and after ensiling, was achieved when the grain DM content at harvest exceed 50%. Harvesting when the grain DM exceeded 60% was accompanied by the most effective fermentation. The lowest loss of starch plus sugars and the largest DM content per m3 of the silo was achieved at a harvest DM exceeding 70%. The mean DM loss was 1.6%. Harvesting under cold weather conditions or at low DM content may lead to poor stability of the silage after exposure to air. To ensure high hygienic quality, the DM content at harvest should be between 60 and 75%. The best harvest time for barley to be stored rolled and ensiled in when the DM content is 65 to 70%.
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