Efficient field treatment for silage and hay
1991
Bosma, A.H. (Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wageningen (Netherlands))
The production of a high-quality storage starts with a good crop. Harvest losses have to be reduced and during harvest, the crop has to be prepared for a good conservation. This also applies to poor weather conditions. A short field period will reduce losses and the risk of losses. Because of uncertain weather conditions, there is a development away from conventional hay making systems to the two-stage drying technique and to silage making. Figure 1 shows the percentage of silage in 1975 and 1985 for some countries in Europe. In some areas, however, conventional hay is and will be an important forage, partly produced for the market. In silage making, both direct-cut (wet) and wilted silages are produced. There has been a considerable debate as to the relative series of trials with wilted and unwilted silages in various countries in Europe, it has been concluded that the two ensiling systems differ little in losses and in feeding values, provided a good fermentation is ensured and the silages are made without soil contamination and without an extended field drying period. Therefore, economic and climatic factors and circumstances on a particular farm will determine the most appropriate method to use. Wet silage ( 30 % DM) produces effluent, resulting in higher losses and environmental problems. Umcontrolled s eepage will no longer be allowed, so more wilted silage has to be made. It may be expected that in future more silage will be produced with a DM-content of 30-35 %. Seepage will not occur then and a good forage crop, a short field period, a suitable harvesting system and proper m anagement will create the conditions for an adequate fermentation process, as well as a good environment for using inoculants.
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