The Rural Voice, 2001-05, Page 26A University of Illinois
specialist says making good
forages leads to good dairy
production
Depending on the storage structure, dry matter losses
can escalate from a low of three per cent to a high of
almost 25 per cent, depending on climatic conditions and
efficiency of facility use.
Bunker storage can range from 13 to 25 per cent losses
while steel towers have the lowest Toss rate.
"The cost effectiveness of any system is impacted
greatly by the loss percentage," he said.
Losses are also affected by the cover on the storage
unit. These include a roof, sawdust, soil, limestone,
plastic or none. "There can Ise 34 per cent loss with no
coverage or just 11 per cent when plastic is used (in a
bunker situation)," he added.
The result of forage degradation can be seen when a
"black gunk" forms on top, ranging from three to 12
inches in depth. This must be disposed of, said Hutjens
as it can cause damage to the cows.
Quality Toss is also seen in the effluent running from
an open storage facility.
Gas losses can be huge when there is little coverage of
the forage.
An important factor in reducing loss with bunker
storage, said Hutjens is the
efficiency and effectiveness of the
filling. "They must be packed
THE
PRODUCTIVITY
CONNECTION
By Janice Becker
Dairy producers realize the importance of good
quality forage for the health and well-being of the
animals, but consideration should be given to all
the tactors which impact that quality.
"High quality forage is a must as its relative feed value
is greater than that for legumes or grass," said Dr. Michael
Hutjens, dairy extension specialist from the University of
Illinois. "Corn silage is Illinois' cheapest forage and can
reduce feed costs by 25 cents to 50 cents per cow per day."
He said forages are what give dairy farmers in Ontario,
Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa the competitive edge over
producers in other areas. "Animals must be provided with
fibre and nutrients for proper rumen function. Do you have
the right forage for the cows to use properly?" he asked.
Hutjens said there are many aspects to consider in
making it a successful food source.
"There must be sufficient fermentable carbohydrates to
make the silage ferment properly," he said. "Lactic acid
bacteria must be present to dry the fermentation process
and there must be anaerobic conditions so the oxygen is
gotten rid of quickly."
The type of storage facility factors into the success of
silage fermentation and the cost effectiveness.
Components such as capital input, life expectancy of the
storage unit and equipment and -the annual costs to
maintain and operate must be considered. Within the realm
of annual costs, producers should look at labour, plastic
purchases, fuel and dry matter losses.
22 THE RURAL VOICE
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