Conference focuses on fermentation quality

Delegates at last year's Sil-All European Conference were told to make sure farmers don't lose focus on the losses that occur in the silage clamp.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Mar 2017, 07:23 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:11 BST
Attending the Sil-All European Conference in Budapest were Richard McCaughan, Moores Animal Feeds, Marine Delcourt, Sil-All Brand Manager, Mark Crawford, Farmcare Products and Bryan Buckley, Sil-All Ireland Business ManagerAttending the Sil-All European Conference in Budapest were Richard McCaughan, Moores Animal Feeds, Marine Delcourt, Sil-All Brand Manager, Mark Crawford, Farmcare Products and Bryan Buckley, Sil-All Ireland Business Manager
Attending the Sil-All European Conference in Budapest were Richard McCaughan, Moores Animal Feeds, Marine Delcourt, Sil-All Brand Manager, Mark Crawford, Farmcare Products and Bryan Buckley, Sil-All Ireland Business Manager

A poorer fermentation does not only create losses through a lower preservation of valuable ME, but also in terms of Dry Matter losses, Protein preservation and lower intakes due to reduced palatability and digestibility.

Typically a clamp can expect to not only lose at least 0.5 MJ of ME, but also at least 5% dry matter. So in terms of value, these would cost over £5000 per 1000 tonnes of silage to replace. It is therefore important farmers fully understand the potential losses involved when making the decision on purchasing an effective inoculant.

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Delegates were also presented with findings from one of the most extensive banks of silage data available through the Norwegian dairy advisory board. Each year they record detailed information on silage production including feed analysis and types of inoculant used.

Assessing over 2300 samples, the data showed that treating with a bacterial inoculant consistently resulted in an improved fermentation. Ammonia Nitrogen levels were lower in treated silages meaning protein was better preserved, and higher proportions of the desirable acids (lactic and propionic) were found resulting in a faster and more stable fermentation.

The Sil-All 4x4+ silage inoculant has historically helped farmers achieve the fermentation they need to maximise silage preservation. Through its robustness and ease of use, it is one of the favourites for farmers throughout the country.

For more information on using inoculants, contact Farmcare Products free on 0800 689 1259.