The Rural Voice, 1978-10, Page 31in the public information field," Dr. Baier
says. "We have made available all manner
of agrometeorological, material to the
public."
Among these items are an agroclimatic
atlas for Canada - zonation of various
climatic areas with crops they will
produce -and publications dealing with
subjects from heat unit requirements for
crops to detailed climatic information.
''One of our more exciting ventures has
been our recent teaming up with economic
specialists to produce an economic outlook
report for wheat, barley and oats," Dr.
Baier says. "using yield/weather models
and real time weather data imputs from our
many field locations. we have been able to
provide acceptable estimates of expected
crop yields for the current crop year."
But despite the wide ranging scope of
agrometeorology, most attention is still
paid to the actual, everyday weather.
"Our very existence depends on the
weather, in terms of crop and animal
production for food," he says. "The more
knowledge we gain of weather, and the
effects it exerts on agriculture, the easier it
becomes for us to increase our food
production.
Silage additives
boost food value .�
Silage additives can improve the feed
value of corn silage and boost ensiling
efficiency, says Dr. J. G. Buchanan -Smith,
animal scientist at the University of
Guelph.
There are two categories of silage
additives for corn. One category includes
nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) mixtures; the
secogd category includes bacterial inocu-
lants and enzyme/antioxidant mixtures.
"NPN mixtures can be used as an
alternative to conventional methods of
supplementing protein," says Dr.
Buchanan -Smith. "They also improve the
bunk life of the silage, and reduce silage
losses during fermentation."
NPN additives are available in simple
and complex mixtures. Simple mixtures
contain ammonia or urea. Complex mix-
tures contain molasses, urea or ammonia,
and vitamins and minerals.
"The complex mixtures are slightly
more effective in improving ensilage
efficiency, and contain extra nutrients that
cattle require."
Simple solutions cost about 5 cents/kg of
crude protein. Complex mixtures cost 25
cents/kg of crude protein. NPN mixtures
are usually applied at 5 to 20 kg per tonne.
"Although NPN mixtures are excellent
sources of protein and nonprotein nitrogen,
they may not be suitable for all operations
and situations," says Dr. Buchanan -Smith.
For example, NPN additives should not
be applied to dry silage (less than 60 per
cent moisture).
"Producers should consider investment
and management requirements before
switching from conventional methods of
feed supplementation. NPN additives may
not be more effective."
Bacterial inoculants and enzyme/anti-
oxidant mixtures have been available for
several years, but there has been a sudden
influx of new products, says Dr. Buchanan -
Smith.
Researchers at the University of Guelph
tested one of the newly released products
on corn silage last year. They found no
improvement in silage quality or dry
matter recovered from the silo.
Dr. Buchanan -Smith explains that 1977
was an exceptional year. Corn was put up
under ideal conditions. He feels that
under -less -than -ideal conditions, this type
of additive could be more useful.
Bacterial inoculants and enzyme/anti-
oxidant mixtures are inexpensive. It costs
about $1 to treat a tonne of corn.
Silage additive tests, funded in part by
the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and
Food, will continue this fall at the Elora
Research Centre, near Guelph.
Stilckland
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Londesboro, Ontario
THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1978 PG. 31