Quality silage in the field is dependent on many factors, including the weather conditions, time of day, and height of the cut. Good dry matter and sufficient soluble carbohydrate content both contribute to good silage in the field, with the D-value and correct chop length also being important considerations.
There are many conditions which should be taken into consideration when looking for good silage; it’s important to cut the grass when it contains the highest nutrient levels.
There are many things which should be considered when looking for good quality silage in the clamp. Not only should it be compacted and consolidated well, but the area should also be appropriately and quickly sheeted and weighed down. It is also important to ensure that the silage isn’t contaminated.
Silage analysis can provide an idea of the contents of the silage, but it cannot present how the rumen will respond to the forage. This means that silage analysis cannot predict silage performance.
There are many factors which affect how silage will feed such as a high pH, high dry matter, good ME, digestibility, and protein. However, due to the high dry matter and pH, it’s likely that the silage will not be stable and could be predisposed to heating and mould. In cattle, these factors will reduce intakes and a mycotoxin binder may need to be fed.
Wildflowers and meadows are essential to supporting a rich variety of wildlife and environments. In recent years, drastic changes to the ecosystem have caused losses in biodiversity. However, by planting your own wildflower meadow, you can help to create and save habitats.
If you are considering developing your own wildflower garden, we have created our top five tips for growing a successful meadow of your own!
Limestone and pH go hand in hand when it comes to optimising soil fertility. While soil fertility refers to the ability of sustaining agricultural plant growth, the pH focuses on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil based on a scale of 1-14. Both elements together help to create consistent, high quality yields.
