Loading...
Factors influencing the conservation characteristics of baled and precision-chop grass silages
Citations
Altmetric:
Date
2011
Files
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Factors influencing the conservation characteristics of baled and precision-chop grass silages. J. McEniry, P.D. Forristal and P. O'Kiely. IJAFR Vol. 50, No. 2 (2011), pp. 175-188
Abstract
The composition of baled silage on Irish farms frequently differs from that of comparable
precision-chop silage. This paper concerns a field-scale study designed to
investigate: (a) the effects of number of layers (2, 4, 6 or 8) of polyethylene stretch film
and the duration of storage (7 vs. 18 months) on the conservation characteristics of
baled silage, and (b) the conservation characteristics of baled (4 layers of stretch film)
and precision-chop silages. All silages were made following three durations of wilting
(0, 24 or 48 h). Wilting restricted silage fermentation, with silage pH being highest
(P<0.001) and the concentration of fermentation products lowest (P<0.001) for the 48
h wilt treatment. Wrapping bales in only 2 layers of polyethylene stretch film resulted
in extensive visible mould growth, but mould growth was practically eliminated by the
application of 4 or more layers of film. Silage fermentation characteristics were generally
improved by wilting, and by 4 compared to 2 layers of stretch film. Extending the
storage duration of baled silage from 7 to 18 months reduced (P<0.001) the concentration
of fermentation products and increased in-silo fresh weight losses (P<0.001)
and visible mould growth. Whereas 4 layers of conventional stretch film are normally
sufficient, 6 layers may be necessary to prevent mould growth when bales of unwilted
silage are stored for a second season. Under good farm-management conditions differences
observed between baled and precision-chop silages probably result mainly from
differences in the concentration of dry matter in herbage at ensiling.