Good silage is not made by accident
With the silage cutting season getting into gear, Tom Deane, Advisor at Teagasc Tinahely, shares important aspects to consider to made quality silage.
In a year where input costs remain high, making excellent quality silage is one of the most cost-effective ways farmers can improve animal performance and reduce concentrate feeding costs.
Teagasc research continues to show major variation in silage quality on farms nationwide. Average first-cut silage quality is approximately 65% DMD (Dry Matter Digestibility), but well-managed crops can regularly achieve 72–75% DMD.
Teagasc figures show that growing cattle offered 75 DMD silage can achieve liveweight gains of 0.83kg per day without concentrates, compared to just 0.31kg per day on 60 DMD silage. With poor quality silage you are either feeding more concentrates to make up the shortfall in nutritional value, or livestock performance takes a hit.
Walk your silage crops
Grass crops receiving 100-105 kg N/Ha (80–85 units of nitrogen per acre) are typically ready to cut after 45–50 days’ growth. Growth of the crop increases significantly as cutting date approaches, so it is recommended to walk the crop regularly in order to assess when to cut it.
Cutting date remains the most important factor influencing silage quality with most farmers aiming for mid-May, with the exception of those on higher ground which can be a few weeks later. Once seed heads begin to emerge, grass digestibility and feeding value decline rapidly. Research shows that DMD can fall by 2–3 units per week after heading. While delaying harvest may increase yield, the reduction in feeding quality can significantly increase concentrate requirements next winter, and lead to a greater volume of crop to harvest and transport.
Saving the crop
Weather permitting, aim for a 24-hour wilt to bring dry matter up to approximately 30%. Be careful not to wilt too long, especially on light crops and during prolonged dry periods. The correct wilting procedure improves fermentation and reduces effluent losses. During harvesting, rapid pit filling, rolling to compact and immediate sealing are essential to exclude oxygen and preserve feed quality.
Good silage is not made by accident. Planning, harvesting at the correct stage and paying attention to detail throughout the process will deliver major benefits in terms of animal performance, winter feeding efficiency and overall farm profitability through optimised animal performance and feed cost efficiencies.
Upcoming event
Future Beef Programme participant and Teagasc Tinahely Client, John Pringle will host a farm walk near Aughrim, Co. Wicklow (Eircode Y14PT99) on Friday, 29th May at 6.30pm.
Aiming to sell his bulls under 16 months of age, John’s farm is a working example of the benefits of producing quality silage.
Topics include John’s breeding strategy, grazing plan as well as other topics. ABP will be carrying out a beef finishing demonstration and providing food for attendees.
For further details on John Pringle’s farm walk, visit here.