forage preservation and haymaking inag 116 – hay production april 29 th - may 6, 2007
TRANSCRIPT
Forage Preservation and HaymakingINAG 116 – Hay Production
April 29th - May 6, 2007
Haymaking and forage preservation Why preserve forages?
Forage preservation methods
Is it worth it for you to do it on your farm? COST EQUIPMENT
WHY?? Natural foraging behavior
Size of most animal operations today
Quality of feed that is transportable
Animal health
Permits long-term storage
Natural foraging behavior High forage diets lead to digestive tract health
Decreased incidence of colic and founder in horses
Healthier microbial populations in hindgut of horses
Provides a more filling diet than diets high in concentrate
Animal production in the 21st Century Most operations are small or have more
animals than land available for grazing
Requires use of preserved forage to meet nutrient requirements of the animals
Feed Quality Forage, when preserved correctly can be a
very high quality feed for animals at all stages of production
Animal Health High quality forage is healthy for the animals
Long-term storage Quality does decrease over time
Microbial respiration Nonenzymatic chemical reactions Plant enzymatic activity
If humidity and temperature can be controlled, hay quality will remain higher Temps above 20º C (68º F) Humidity above 70%
Leads to fungal growthand decreased quality!
Overall Objectives in Managing Preservation Want a stable product
System to minimize losses associated with harvesting and processing
Must meet transportation and storage needs/capacities
Consequences of using preservation systems
It is NOT 100%!!
Process
Fresh vegetation Preserved Forage
Dry Matter LossesQuality Loss
Dry Matter Loss Loss of Dry Matter due to:
Plant metabolism Microbial metabolism (which lasts longer than
plant metabolism) Physical losses
Shattering or breaking of plant material
DM yield of fresh forage is greater than that of preserved vegetation
Dry Matter Loss The nutritional value of fresh forage is greater
than that of preserved forage Most nutritious chemical components of plants
are the parts most susceptible to loss LEAVES are more nutritious than STEMS
Methods of Forage Preservation Hay
Silage
Haylage
Others
Haymaking Phases
Treatments
Problems encountered
Use of Preservatives
Main phases of haymaking
1. Curing
2. Packaging
3. Storage
Key Success Factors in Hay Production
Labor:
The labor requirements for small square bales can quickly eliminate profits. Increasing labor charges and decreasing labor availability has forced most producers to look towards labor saving equipment.
Weather:
The humid climatic conditions and sometimes frequent rains can result in high losses of quality and quantity.
Labor Saving Equipment
Cutting
Curing
Raking
Baling
Stacking
Storage
Curing Step One: Cutting
Curing Step 2: Tedding
Curing Step 3: Raking
Labor Saving Equipment
Cutting
Advent of disc-bines allows for much faster cutting speeds.
Labor Saving Equipment
Bale Accumulators
Labor Saving Equipment
Bale Accumulator
Labor Saving Equipment
Accumulator Forks
Labor Saving Equipment
Accumulator Forks
Labor Saving Equipment
Self Propelled
Automatic Stacking Wagon
Labor Saving Equipment
Pull Type
Automatic Stacking Wagon
Labor Saving Equipment
Bale Ejector
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Tedders
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Window Inverter
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Hay Preservatives
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Haylage
Bale Wrapper
Avoiding Weather Losses
Equipment to reduce drying time:
Inline Bale Wrapper
Other Equipment Options
•Large square balers
•Re-balers for converting round bales to square bales
•Larger wheel rakes for faster raking
•Self propelled windrowers and mower conditioners
•Hay Basket Wagons
When to Cut?Species Stage of Maturity
Alfalfa Bud to 1/10 bloom
Red Clover ¼ to ½ bloom
Timothy Late boot
Bromegrass Heads emerged
Orchardgrass Blooms emerged
Reed Canarygrass Heads emerged
Tall Fescue Boot stage
Management Goals
YIELD
QUALITY
PERSISTENCE
Factors in response to harvest of legumes Presence of leaf area
Determines capacity for photosynthesis
Carbohydrate reserves
These are compensating factors (one can compensate for the other in its absence)
Alfalfa Reserve Levels(initial spring regrowth)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Stage of Growth
Car
boh
ydra
te R
eser
ves (%
)
8-10 in Regrowth
Growth initiated Bud
Bloom
Full bloom
Mature seed
Alfalfa Reserve Levels(Impact of frequent cutting)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Stage of Growth
Car
boh
ydra
te R
eser
ves (%
)
8-10 in Regrowth
Growth initiated Bud
Bloom
Full bloom
Mature seed
Pre-bud cutting
Alfalfa Reserve Levels(total season)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
50 100 150 200 250 300
Day Number
Car
boh
ydra
te R
eser
ves (%
)
Cut Cut
Cut
Cut
Cut
(7-10 in)
Factors determining regrowth response of grasses Forms of carbohydrate reserves in grasses
Cool season grasses fructans, simple sugars
Warm season grasses starch, simplesugars
Storage sites Crowns (stem bases) Roots (small amounts) Rhizomes, if present
Lesser importance of Carbohydrate reserves in grasses Morphology storage organs are less
massive Small crowns Diffuse roots No taproot
Physiology reserves remain low for longer periods during a regrowth cycle
Harvest timing & optimization of yield, quality and persistenceYield accumulation
during regrowth (one cycle)
1. Lag phase• Growth rate is a function of
slope
2. Linear phase• Growth rates are highest
3. Declining phase• Maturity reached or nutrients
sapped
TimeYie
ld A
ccum
ula
tion
1
2
3
*
* Point where you begin to achieve maximum light interception
Yield accumulation over multiple regrowth cycles
Time
Cum
mul
ativ
e Acc
umul
atio
n
New growth curve whencut at bud stageNew growth curve whencut at bloom
Yield advantageof later harvest
Curing Phase Overview of the curing process:
Objective is to promote drying as rapidly as possible
Factors that affect curing: Leaves dry faster than stems Exposed forage always dries faster Drying rates during curing are high early on, then low
later
Factors affecting the duration of curing
Typical duration 3-7 days
Environmental factors
Mechanical factors
Environmental Factors Factors that promote
curing: High temperature Low humidity High wind Solar radiation
Weather hazards during curing: High humidity Rain
Causes increased shattering
Delays curing Leads to mold
development MOLD
Field = black Baled = white
Cutting considerations Cut when soil surface moisture is below 45% If raining? Move hay
carefully! Leaf shatter Turn windrows
Loss Due to Rainfall Leaching
Respiration
Leaf Loss
Quality?
Rain is in the forecast…Relative Risk
ExplanationLower Higher
Forage can be ensiled Forage will be baled Fewer days needed for curing; narrower swath
Small acreage of forage to be harvested
Large acreage of forage to harvest
Delaying harvest puts more acres at risk of not being cut on time
Rain forecast for early in drying period
Rain forecast for late in drying period
Quality loss is less of rained on when still high moisture
Forecasted rain is short duration/scattered
Forecasted rain is “frontal” +/- long duration
Less leaching if short duration, high intensity
Rain is in the forecast…Relative Risk
ExplanationLower Higher
Pure grass or grass/legume mix
Pure legume Losses associated with leaf shatter less concern with grass
Standing forage is beyond optimum maturity stage
Standing forage still high in quality
Advancing maturity=less cell compounds susceptible to leach loss
Chemical drying agent/ preservative used
No chemicals/drying agents used
Effective use of chemicals allows for baling at higher moisture
Mechanical Factors Hay is cut into windrows
Wider, thinner windrows Exposes a greater surface area to air
Conditioning Common in high rainfall areas Crimping, rolling, or crushing forage Breaks the stems
Raking/turning Example: alfalfa -- raking at 50% moisture will lead to
only 5% leaf loss, while raking at 33% moisture leads to higher leaf loss
To speed drying time: Have as much hay on ground at midday as possible In fields with north/south facing slopes:
Hay south-facing (dries faster) Haylage/silage north-facing
Adjust conditioner so that hay is laid in wide thin rows
Taller stubble will aid drying of lower part of row
Adjustment and Operation of Hay Adjustment and Operation of Hay Equipment for Minimal Drying TimeEquipment for Minimal Drying Time
2007 Delaware Ag WeekHay and Pasture Session
Harrington, DE 22 January 2007
James L. GlanceyIan Cosden
Matt DunsonJeff GordonDoug Cook
University of Delaware
Richard StrosserCase-New Holland, Inc.
Presentation Overview
Hay Drying Physics Conditioner Designs and Adjustments Comparison of Conditioning Methods
Intermeshing rollers vs. impellers Dry matter and drying rate studies
Raking and Tedding Summary
Hay Production . . . Biggest Challenge:
Decreasing drying time. Economic losses result
primarily from in-field drying.
Excessive Drying Times: Dry matter loss Bleaching Exposure to Rainfall Microbial degradation
Dry Matter Loss
How Hay Dries
Phase I: Plants continue to respire
after cutting. Moisture moves through
open stomates. Stomates open during
daylight. Wide swath widths are the
single most important factor in this phase.
How Hay Dries . . .
Phase II: Moisture loss through
leaves and stems. Conditioning
accelerates this phase.
How Hay Dries . . .
Phase III: Loss of most tightly
held water, mainly from stems.
Conditioning critical for this phase.
Target moisture for hay is 14 to 18%.
Driving Factors in Hay Drying
Plant Structure Legume Grass
Windrow Structure Wide vs. Narrow Yield
Environmental Factors Solar Intensity Humidity Wind Speed Dew Soil Moisture
Target Moisture Levels 18% for small bales Less for large bales
(most important)
(least important)
Keys to Making Quality Hay
Cut at the right maturity.
Never trust a weather forecast.
Keep equipment maintained to minimize downtime.
Keep equipment adjusted.
Don’t ever flip the tractor with the mower . . .
Mechanical Conditioning
Bending failure of the plant stem.
Promotes moisture loss through the failure locations.
Proper machine adjustment critical for effective conditioning.
Survey of operators indicates improper machine setup 70% of the time.
Types: Intermeshing rollers Impeller Super-conditioners
Intermeshing (Chevron) Rollers
Adjustments: Gap between conditioning rolls.
Most important parameter Roll pressure
One or two handles to change spring preload on upper roller
Set based on yield Higher pressures for grasses
Roll registration Set relative rotation for proper
meshing
Impeller Conditioner
Tines or flails impact crop.
Rubbing between tines and conditioning hood abrades stems.
Super-conditioning Machined steel or
rubber rollers. Objective is to create
linear cracks in the plant stem.
Because of precision machined rollers and involute profile, gap is almost zero.
Involute Profile Rollers
Duel rollers with Pressure Control
System
Super-conditioning . . .
Price ~ $9500 add-on.
Evaluating Conditioning
The best way to check is to observe the condition of the harvested forage in the windrow.
The stems should be cracked. If not, adjustments must be made.
Linear Crack Crimp
Conditioning Roll MaterialEffect on Field Loss
0123456
MoldedRubber
Tire Cords Rubber andSteel
Steel
Conditioning Roller Type
Dry
Mat
ter
Lo
sses
(%
)
Impeller SettingsEffects on Drying Rate
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.2
Slow Fast
Impeller Speed
Dry
ing
Co
nst
ant,
k
Hood Setting
Impeller Speed
0.10.120.140.16
0.180.2
0.22
Far Medium Close
Conditioning Hood Setting
Dry
ing
Co
ns
tan
t, k
Comparison: Impeller vs. Rolls
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
Steel Y Steel U Plastic U Rubber Rolls
Conditioner
Dry
ing
Co
nst
ant Alfalfa
Grass
0
2
4
6
8
10
Steel Y Steel U Plastic U Rubber Rolls
Conditioner
Le
af
Lo
ss
(%
)
Average
Aggressive
Non-Aggressive
Steel Y Steel U Plastic U
Rubber Rolls
Total Dry Matter Losses Three Harvesting Systems
Initial Windrow WidthEffect on Drying Rate
Drying RateConditioned/Not- Conditioned
Windrow width
(% of max )
1 (fastest) Conditioned 100
2 Conditioned 65
3 Not-conditioned 100
4 Not-conditioned 65
5 Conditioned 35
6 (slowest) Not-conditioned 35
An unconditioned swath width of +90% will dry faster than a conditioned swath width of 35%.
Haylage moisture and quality vs. swath width
Swath Width of Mower ConditionersSurvey of U.S. Manufacturers
Average Minimum Maximum
Maximum Swath Width
(% of Cutting Width)61.4 27.8 87.3
Conditioner Width(% of Cutting Width)
65.4 29.4 99.7
If Windrow Width is Too Narrow
Chemical Conditioning? Potassium Carbonate @ 5
lbs per dry ton. Use 30 gallons of water per
acre. Modifies the wax layer on
the stem to increase drying. Best case – can reduce
drying by 1 day. Still need mechanical
conditioning. Not a preservative.
Raking (and Tedding) Timely raking helps minimize leaf
loss and promotes rapid, even drying.
Raking hay that is too wet retards drying.
Raking hay that is too dry results in excessive leaf shatter, losing leaves and hay quality.
Rake when moisture content is about 50%, otherwise, wait until the dew sets before raking.
Side delivery rakes loose about half as much as wheel rakes.
Summary
Solar intensity is the key to fast drying – use wide windrows.
Properly adjusted mechanical conditioning systems can are as good as any other method for reducing drying time.
In general, use conditioning rolls for alfalfa and impeller conditioners for grasses.
Try to rake at moistures more than 40%; use a tedder only above 50%.
For roll conditioners, an automatic adjustment system to control roll gap will likely be available within 5 years.
Baling
Packaging Phase Nature of losses
Shatter – leaves are most susceptibledirectly associated with water
content!
Several factors may affect the magnitude of losses during packaging
Losses during packaging Species
Legumes have higher losses Water content at time of curing termination
Higher loss with lower water content Equipment
Round bales tend to cause more shattering than square bales
Time of Day Bale early morning or evening when there is dew to
reduce loss to shatter
Chemical Hay Treatments
Two main Categories Preservatives Drying Agents
Preservatives Mode of Action
Applied either at or immediately after baling Designed to kill or retard microbial activity Some produce a favorable type of microbial
activity Allows for baling at higher moisture levels
Types of Preservatives Organic Acid Based
Contain propionic or acetic acid Kills microbes
Microbial Based Carried over from silage fermentation agents Promote “favorable” microbial activity Produces compounds that later prevent mold NO PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS
Older types Include agents such as salt (wet areas, mountain meadows) Urea Anhydrous ammonia (used on round bales)
Anhydrous Ammonia Kills microbes Protein Digestibility
NH3OH
Plastic Cover
Open container
Preservatives Benefits of use:
Shortens duration of curing time Reduces risk due to weather hazards
Allows packaging at higher moisture content Reduces shattering losses
Limitations on use: Organic Acid Types
Effective at moisture levels up to 35% Highly corrosive (safety!)
Microbial Agents Effective at moisture levels up to 25%
Drying Agents “Chemical
Conditioners” Composition Mode of Action Method of
Application Benefit of Use Limitations on
Drying Agent Use
Composition Key ingredient is Potassium Carbonate
(Potash) May also include:
fat-based materials Sodium Carbonate Flavoring Agents
Chemical Factors Hay Drying Agents
Reduces field drying time by increases rate of water loss from cut forage Do not directly dry the hay!
Potassium Carbonate or Sodium Carbonate Applied to standing forage before or at cutting
Alkaline N-silicates and alkaline carbonates in combination with wetting agents
Chemical Factors Reduces curing time
0 – ½ day at first cutting ½ - 1 day at 2nd cutting ½ - 2 days at 3rd cutting 0 – 1 day at 4th cutting
Recommended application rates vary: 1/8-pound each KCO3 per gallon water 5 pounds preservative per ton dry matter
harvested
Cost of Chemical Conditioners Cost for chemical is between $1.90 and $10
per ton of hay produced To equip a mower-conditioner with a tank and
spray equipment = $1000 Mixing/handling increases mowing time by
10-20% Total cost (parts, labor, chemical) is between
$2.65 and $10.75 per ton of hay produced
Predicting Yield per Acre Clip a 3’ x 3’ area of crop at normal cutting height
from a typical area of growth Weigh sample to nearest 10th of a pound Repeat in several areas and average results Calculate baled tons per acre by multiplying the
average sample weight by 0.6 (assumes standing forage is at 75% moisture)
To compute on DM basis, dry the hay to normal baling DM%
Mode of Action Creates pores in the surface of stems Stems have a waxy covering which can be a
barrier to water loss Egyptians used potash to make raisins 4000
years ago!
Waxy stemDrying agent
Porous stem
Mode of Action
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Drying AgentNormal Curing
% H2O
Ready for baling
Method of Application Applied at time of cutting/swathing
Try to apply to stems for maximum benefit!
Benefit of use: Shortens duration of curing (low risk) Most have lipids included which enhances the
effectiveness of potash Less shatter loss (more pliable material)
Limitations on use of Drying Agents Only work with legumes!!
Usually used only on alfalfa Grasses don’t have exposed stems
Doesn’t work well in high humidity environments
Typically limited to spring usage
Storage Phase
Moisture content
Weather
Moisture during storage Water content must be below a critical level
Based on Size and Density of package Small rectangular bales
≤ 20% (upper limit is 20%) Large Bales
One-ton rectangular: ≤ 18% High density rectangular bales: ≤ 15% Cubes ≤ 12%
Consequences of excessive moisture Major Hazard = MOLD
Produces toxins Heat loss:
Fire Chemical heat damage (non-enzymatic browning)
Maillard Reaction
Plant Sugars + amino acidsHeat + high moisture
140-150º F
ArtifactLignin
Weathering Losses
Uncovered Most weather damage
occurs only on exposed surfaces
Large stacks = less total damage
The Weathering Process Bales stored outside on the ground without covers
Increase dramatically in moisture content (especially the outer 2-3 inches)
Begins slowly but then accelerates Weathered hay is more easily penetrated by rain
Thatch formation on round bales Coarse-stemmed forage crops won’t thatch well Once a wet layer forms – bale won’t shed water well
Thatch formation… 6’ x 6’ bale 22 gallons of water for every inch of rain 30 inches of rainfall during the storage period 660
gallons of water! Location of weathering – three layers
Outside = wet, dark, rotten no feeding value Second = thinner layer of moist heavily molded hay
low feeding value Third = light mold, higher moisture content surrounding
inner unweathered portion
The Weathering Process
Factors Affecting Outside Storage Losses Bale Density Other Field Operations or Techniques Climatic Influences Site Selection Bale Orientation/Placement Protecting the Tops of the Bales Protecting the Bottoms of the Bales
Factors Affecting Loss Bale density:
Denser less spoilage Affected by type of baler being used (some large
round balers produce 2x the density) Fine-stemmed hays will produce denser bales
Other field operations/techniques: Hay row formation uniform, proper size Operate rakes, balers in same direction hay was
cut
Factors Affecting Loss Other field operations/techniques: (con’t)
Moisture content at baling Bale wrapping
Twine closer together decreases loss but increases cost Net wrap
Use of preservatives Climate:
Higher rainfall Rainfall distribution High humidity Temperature
Factors Affecting Loss Site selection:
Close to feeding area Well-drained, upland site Hay/soil contact should be avoided
Bale orientation/placement Large round bales – without sides touching, flat
ends butted together Rows should run north/south
Factors Affecting Loss Protecting the tops of the bales:
Cover bales – plastic sheeting, “caps”, fabric Secure cover firmly
Protecting the bottoms of the bales: Held off the ground by something that doesn’t
trap/hold water Wooden pallets, telephone posts, scrap pipe, cross ties Rock pads Prevent hay/soil contact
Costs vs. Benefits of Hay Storage Cost of hay losses Barn storage
Costs and risks of barn storage Reducing Fire Risk
Combustion due to extreme heating External Causes
Cost vs. Benefit of Hay StorageBeginning hay value, $/ton
% Loss 50 70 90
5 52.69 73.68 94.74
10 55.55 77.78 100
15 58.87 82.35 105.88
20 62.50 87.50 112.50
25 66.80 93.33 120.00
Barn StorageIncrease w/ barn storage (% units)
Treatment compared to barn storage
Dry Matter Digestible Dry Matter
On Ground, no cover 8.7 12.7
Drained surface 2.4 6.8
Plastic cover 3.2 3.6
Drained surface + plastic cover
0.3 -1.4
Net Wrap 1.5 --
Plastic Sleeve 0.6 --
Pyramid stack + cover on top
3.7 --
Costs and Risks of Barn Storage Building structure itself Shrinkage of hay
Hay inside for several months will lose 5-10% of it’s weight
Depreciation Economic value of building declines over time (5% of
initial value per year) Interest on investment Taxes and insurance
Reducing Fire Risk External or internal causes Combustion due to extreme heating
Bale hay at proper moisture levels! If too wet store outside for ~ 3 weeks Loose stack the bales Use of hay preservatives to aid drying
External causes Common sense!
Things NOT to do Allow sides of
round bales to touch
No bales in standingwater
No storage under trees
Ensiling Process of producing silage Silage: the product of fermentation of plant
tissue Produced by microbial activity under anaerobic
conditions
Plant Sugars fermentation Organic Acids“pickled” plant materiallow pH
Direct-cut, High-moisture Silages No treatment – most typically done with
cereal silages such as corn Factors affecting success:
Anaerobic conditions Plant water content Fine chopping Packing Sealing
Presence of readily fermentable carbohydrates
SilagePhase 1:
Aerobic
Phase 4:Continued lactic ferementation
Phase 5:Stable
Phase 2:
Acetic acid
Phase 3:
Lactic Acid
69º F
90º F 85º FTemperature Change
6.0 4.2
4.0 3.8pH change
0 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Major barriers to proper ensiling
Aerobic Conditions
Internally trapped air
External air
Hazard: heating and creation of non-enzymatic browning (“caramelized”)
Major barriers to proper ensiling Undesirable fermentation
Causes: Activity of clostridium species bacteria Favored by high moisture, high pH plus low levels of
fermentable carbohydrates
If conditions are marginal: Contributing factors include:
High protein High Ca
Problem species = alfalfa, most cool season grasses
Undesirable Fermentation… Characteristics:
Poor conservation of protein and energy
Proteinaminoacids
Volatile forms of Nitrogen
clostridia
Energy Excessive dry matter losses:lactic acid butyric acid + CO2
Foul odors, decreased palatability
Low Moisture Silage (Haylage) Extended wilting
Until 45-60% water Finer chopping required
¼ inch Silo must be perfectly sealed
Upright silo (requires oxygen-limiting structure) Aerobic activity – almost no fermentation
(too dry)
Balage Used in wet environments Large round bales wrapped or bagged in
plastic 40-60% water
Advantages Disadvantages Procedures
Balage - Advantages Reduced risk of weather damage Flexibility baler can be used for hay and silage Lower fixed costs and operating costs Requires less energy than chopping Lower field losses Easily expandable without large investment Can store @ higher moisture with less seepage loss Natural green color remains
Balage - Disadvantages Storage loss if integrity of plastic wrap is not
maintained and air is allowed into bale Incomplete ferementation, higher pH, unstable Cost of plastic wrap Increased labor requirements Plastic bagged bales are difficult to move without
damaging the wrapping Disposal of used plastic is a potential pollution
hazard (lots and lots of plastic)
Procedures Wilting
Moisture at harvest is single-most important factor (50-60%) Excess moisture butyric acid formation (instead of lactic acid) At less than 40% moisture combustion
Temperature rise fermentation; want temps below 90° F Baling
Chain-type baler (rather than belt) Tight, even rolls (10-15 pounds DM/cubic foot)
Storage Barn-stored (may have some surface mold, but otherwise
good) Outside (high loss rate; DON’T cover with black plastic!) Bagging done at storage site, not at baling
Balage Procedures Cut and conditioned just as in normal haymaking High moisture (50-60% ideal) Use of traditional round-baler
Will weigh about 2x normal bale Must be bagged/wrapped within 1-2 hours after
baling for maximum feed quality Don’t carry excess over to next winter!
Put up as dry hay if you intend to sell or use over several seasons.
Losses Involved in Ensiling Process Fermentation Losses
Minimal loss unless clostridial fermentation Protein breakdown
Seepage Caused by excessive moisture Leaching of soluble nutrients out of silo Losses in digestible nutrients ODOR, CORROSIVE
Surface Spoilage Exposed areas susceptible Horizontal silos more susceptible (cover with plastic)
Silage Additives Fermentation stimulants
Molasses Makes up for lack of fermentable carbohydrates Microbial bacteria
Silage innoculators – refined bacterial cultures About 1-2% better feed efficiency and fermentation in corn
silage
Fermentation inhibitors Direct acidification – mineral acids Bacterial inhibitors
Silage Additives… Nonprotein Nitrogen
Add Nitrogen to the silage Used with cereal silages such as corn
Corn silage energy:protein balance is off (more energy than protein)
Addition of urea or anhydrous ammonia can bring N level up
Ruminants are able to use NPN, but horses can’t Rumen microbes are able to produce protein from NPN that can
then be absorbed in the small intestine by the animal In horses, protein is absorbed in the small intestine and microbes
don’t come along until the large intestine
Use of Silage/Haylage/Balage Traditionally fed to high-producing dairy
cows Not a traditional horse feed CAN be fed to horses (especially haylage and
balage) Problem: entire bale must be used within 10
days of opening to prevent spoilage. Must have large number of animals to eat the stuff
Equipment Tractor ($10,000 and up)
Equipment Mower/conditioner
1992 12’ New Holland Mower/Conditioner; Used price = $9,250
Equipment Rake
Single side rake, John Deere, used = $2350
Equipment Baler
Round Baler = $13,000 usedSmall Square Baler = $5000 used
Expenses Buying your own equipment = expensive Use of custom operators (Average costs in
MD): Mowing = $10/acre (range of $5 - $30) Conditioning & Mowing = $12/acre ($7 - $35) Raking = $7/acre ($5 - $15) Baling = 50¢/bale (30¢ - 75¢) Most custom operators require a minimum of 5
acres, smaller acreage = higher price!
Forage Suitability for Hay
Forage Suitability for Hay Not all plants are created equal when it comes
to suitability for hay Things to consider:
Location Nutritional needs of animals consuming hay Quality of hay to be produced Cost of establishment and maintenance
Yield and CP content of various hay crops
Type of Hay Crop Hay Yield (tons/acre)
Crude Protein (%)
Alfalfa (early bloom) 3-6 17-22
Oats 1-4 8-10
Orchardgrass 1-4 12-15
Red Clover 2-4 14-16
Ryegrass 1-4 10-16
Tall Fescue 2-4 10-15
Coastal Bermudagrass 5-8 10-14
Common Bermudagrass 2-6 9-11
Crop Establishment Perennials more economical than annuals Pure stand vs. mixed Hay fields should be weed-free for a high
quality product Soil test every year prior to fertilizer/lime
application QUANTITY OR QUALITY??
Pure Stands or Mixtures Pure grass or pure legume can be
advantageous over a mixed grass-legume stand: Eases management associated with trying to keep
all species in a mixture competitive Increases number of herbicides that can be used for
weed control Improves forage quality – a pure legume stand is
usually higher in quality than a pure grass or mixed grass-alfalfa stand.
Pure Stands or Mixtures Mixed grass and legume stand can be
advantageous over a pure grass or legume stand: Eliminates need for N fertilizer Lengthens life of pasture or hay land because grass
will remain after legume stand is reduced Reduces the problem of legumes “heaving” Reduces soil erosion on steep slopes Improves livestock performance
Shotgun Mixture? Shotgun mixture = mix of many grasses and
legumes Prepackaged Don’t give you, the producer, the opportunity to
match a specific grass/legume to your soil type Eventually, 2-3 predominant forage species will
survive due to Soil type Cutting management Fertilization program
Selecting the right grass Soil Characteristics
Drainage Fertility pH
Plant characteristics Palatability of plant Winter hardiness Growth habit Drought tolerance Cool vs. warm season
Soil Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Drain Fertility pH
Species
Longev Palatab.
Winter Hard
Growth Habit
Drought Tol
Cool vs Warm
VPD M-H 5.8-8.2
Reed Canary perennial L G S G C
PD L 5.4-6.2
Redtop perennial L-M G S F C
SPD L-M 5.4-8.2
Switchgrass perennial M G Bl G W
SPD M 5.4-6.2
Tall fescue perennial M F-G B G C
SPD M 5.5-8.2
Orchardgrass perennial M-H F B F C
VPD = very poor drainagePD = poor drainageSPD = somewhat poor dr.MWD = mod. well drained
H = high
VH = very highF = fairG = good
P = poorB = bunchgrassBl =bunch-likeS = sod
C = coolW = warm
Soil Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Drain Fertility pH
Species
Longev Palatab. Winter Hard
Growth Habit
Drought Tol
Cool vs Warm
SPD M 5.4-6.2
Timothy perennial
H G B P C
SPD M-H 5.6-6.2
Ryegrass annual/ perennia
l
VH - to F B P C
SPD H 5.4-6.2
Smooth Brome
perennial
VH G S G C
MWD L-M 5.4-6.2
Big bluestem perennial
H G S G W
MWD L-M 5.4-6.2
Indiangrass perennial
H G S C W
VPD = very poor drainagePD = poor drainageSPD = somewhat poor dr.MWD = mod. well drained
H = high
VH = very highF = fairG = good
P = poorB = bunchgrassBl =bunch-likeS = sod
C = coolW = warm
Grass Species - seeding Careful selection of seeding time = important
Planting earlier or later than suggested dates can result in decreased yield
Weed pressure is greater if spring planting is delayed Buy seed on a “pure live seed” (PLS) basis
Some seeds will be inert
%PLS = % purity x % germination
pounds bulk seed x % PLS = pounds PLS
Pure Live Seed example 100 pound bag of tall fescue
Germination value of 80% Purity value of 90%
%PLS = 80% x 90% = 72% Only 72 pounds of the purchased 100 pounds will
produce your desired crop Have to divide the recommended seeding rate by
the PLS to determine actual weight of application per acre!!
Soil Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Drain Fertility pH
Species
Longev Palatab. Winter Hard
Drought Tol
Cool vs Warm
PD M 6.0-6.5
Alsike Clover perennial
H G F C
SPD L 5.5-6.2
Striate lespedeza
Summer annual
H n/a F W
SPD L 5.5-6.2
Korean lespedeza
Summer annual
H n/a F W
SPD M 6.0-6.5
Crimson clover
Winter annual
H VP P C
SPD M 6.2-6.8
Red clover perennial
H G F C
VPD = very poor drainagePD = poor drainageSPD = somewhat poor dr.MWD = mod. well drained
H = high
VH = very highF = fairG = good
P = poorB = bunchgrassBl =bunch-likeS = sod
C = coolW = warm
Soil Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Drain Fertility pH
Species
Longev Palatab. Winter Hard
Drought Tol
Cool vs Warm
SPD M 6.5-6.8
Sainfoin perennial
M G G C
WD M-H 6.8-7.2
Sweetclover Annual/ biennial
M - to G G C
WD H 6.6-7.2
Alfalfa perennial
VH G G C
VPD = very poor drainagePD = poor drainageSPD = somewhat poor dr.MWD = mod. well drained
H = high
VH = very highF = fairG = good
P = poorB = bunchgrassBl =bunch-likeS = sod
C = coolW = warm
Selecting the right mixture Compare soil properties when deciding what
to mix i.e., alfalfa + orchardgrass not a good combo when
soil is poorly drained Timothy and smooth brome don’t persist well if
more than 3 cuttings occur; if quantity is a goal, choose orchardgrass instead to mix with alfalfa