Farmers are being urged to take management of silage high quality this 12 months by pre-cut grass testing to make sure grass is harvested on the optimum time.
In keeping with Lientjie Colahan, gross sales and technical help at Lallemand Animal Vitamin, pre-cut testing is a vital a part of the silage making course of to maximise forage high quality and fibre digestibility.
“Forage is the most cost effective feed out there for dairy and beef methods, bettering its high quality will improve manufacturing from forage, lowering reliance on bought feeds. This can considerably profit manufacturing margins, particularly throughout years when feed costs are disproportionally excessive,” she advises.
To assist farmers decide the perfect time to chop grass for optimum high quality silage, Lallemand Animal Vitamin is providing free pre-cut grass testing this season.
“Farmers usually fall right into a routine of following the identical reducing patterns as earlier years, somewhat than being ruled by the grass high quality of the present season. This could show pricey because of the variation within the climate and rising situations, due to this fact testing ought to begin round three weeks previous to the date of your first reduce final 12 months,” explains Mrs Colahan.
The opticut system allows producers to take a deliberate method with regards to maximising the standard and amount of grass silage all through the rising season, to suit the necessities of their farm.
There are three key parts to the system. These embody: pre-cut grass testing, appropriate administration of the silage making course of, and use of a crop and situation particular inoculant to enhance nutrient retention and scale back losses from cardio instability. Monitoring nitrogen utility can be necessary as this impacts grass development.
Lientjie Colahan, Lallemand Animal Vitamin
“Some of the necessary parts to find out in pre-cut testing is the impartial detergent fibre (NDF) content material. That is the primary gauge of plant maturity, giving the perfect indication of when the grass is able to reduce. If nitrogen aplication is considerably altered, the grass might change into harassed and go to move earlier” explains Mrs Colahan.
“Pre-cut testing must be carried out till a minimum of the third reduce, ideally persevering with all through the season.”
She suggests additionally preserving contractors knowledgeable about proposed forage plans for the 12 months, offering a tough estimate of while you suppose your first reduce can be, and updating them in keeping with pre-cut outcomes.
Testing grass earlier than reducing can enhance the standard of silage
“By often testing your crop all through the season and appearing on these outcomes, farmers will be capable to arrange the foundations to provide good high quality silage with improved dietary worth,” says Mrs Colahan.
Lallemand Animal Vitamin has been working alongside farmers to enhance forage high quality and utilisation for over 25 years. To get your free pre-cut grass testing equipment, please scan the QR code beneath or name: 01684 580022.
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