Presenter Information

K Rinne, North Savo Research Station

Publication Date

1989

Location

Nice France

Description

Grass-based silage is considered both a satisfactory and economical roughage for dairy cattle, especially in Northern Europe. The greatest risks to efficient and economical silage making are ensiling losses. Ensiling losses emerge immediately after cutting. If the grass is ensiled directly after cutting, respiration losses on the field will ne negligible. Instead, respiration losses may occur within the silo during ensiling and also thereafter. These will persist until the silage is compacted enough, or airtight, or on the other hand, until the additive has rendered the conditions for plant enzyme and aerobic microbial activity impossible. Silage produces a considerable quantity of effluent. The amount of effluent depends on the moisture content of the raw material and on how efficiently the silage has been compacted. In the present investigation, it was not possible to specify the reasons for losses. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to measure the total losses during the period from ensiling the raw material until its removal from the silo for feeding.

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Ensiling Losses in Fresh Grass Silage

Nice France

Grass-based silage is considered both a satisfactory and economical roughage for dairy cattle, especially in Northern Europe. The greatest risks to efficient and economical silage making are ensiling losses. Ensiling losses emerge immediately after cutting. If the grass is ensiled directly after cutting, respiration losses on the field will ne negligible. Instead, respiration losses may occur within the silo during ensiling and also thereafter. These will persist until the silage is compacted enough, or airtight, or on the other hand, until the additive has rendered the conditions for plant enzyme and aerobic microbial activity impossible. Silage produces a considerable quantity of effluent. The amount of effluent depends on the moisture content of the raw material and on how efficiently the silage has been compacted. In the present investigation, it was not possible to specify the reasons for losses. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to measure the total losses during the period from ensiling the raw material until its removal from the silo for feeding.