Grassland Farming - Silage Production

By Asst Editor Di P, on September 20th, 2011

How much pasture and when to close for silage production

Stocking rates need to be increased to improve productivity and profitability on farms where pastures are under-utilised. Silage can facilitate this increase in stocking rate by providing supplementary feed at times of the year when pasture supply or quality is limiting animal production.

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Non-protein nitrogen (NPN)

By Asst Editor Liz C, on April 27th, 2011

Nitrogen being applied

Introduction

Anhydrous ammonia and urea are used to improve aerobic stability and increase the nitrogen content of silages made from low protein forage. They are more often used with maize silage, but are also used with sorghum and whole crop cereal silages, and high moisture grain.

Thorough mixing is necessary . . . → Read More: Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in Silage

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How Does Wilting Occur?

By Asst Editor Liz C, on April 18th, 2011

Stacking bales of silage

Moisture loss from mown forage is initially quite rapid. It occurs primarily through the stomata (microscopic pores) that are concentrated on the leaves and, to a lesser extent, the stems.

Most of the water loss from both grasses and legumes is from the leaves, although some moisture (up to . . . → Read More: How Does Wilting Occur?

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What is Wilting?

By Asst Editor Liz C, on April 18th, 2011

Silage harvester

Introduction

Wilting is the process where moisture evaporates from the mown forage to increase DM content to the desired level for harvesting.

To minimise losses (DM and quality) the mown material must be wilted as quickly as possible to the target DM content . Ideally, wilting should take no . . . → Read More: What is Wilting?

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Efficiency of Mowing on Silage

By Asst Editor Liz C, on April 18th, 2011

Mower conditioner

Introduction

The mower’s efficiency will have a major impact on the success and speed of the wilting process. Mowing rates should be more than 1.5-2.0 ha/hour. It is important to avoid any factors that may extend the mowing period, such as using small mowers, blunt mower blades or underpowered tractors.

It . . . → Read More: Efficiency of Mowing on Silage

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Other Factors Influencing WSC Content

By Asst Editor Liz C, on April 13th, 2011

Other factors Influencing Water Soluble Carbohydrate( WSC) Content Include:

Cultivar:

There is evidence of significant variation in WSC between cultivars in some grass species. Some plant breeders are selecting for higher WSC content. Weather conditions: Low light intensity, cloudy weather and high rainfall during crop growth can reduce WSC content.

Time of day: . . . → Read More: Other Factors Influencing WSC Content

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