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Fodder Conservation Notes Yearly
Fodder Conservation Notes Yearly
Types
of Conserved Fodder
There are three main types of conserved fodder: Silage Hay Grain
Silage
Silage is preserving excess pasture by fermenting it, similar to pickling food. The high lactic acid from ensiling prevents growth of many decay microbes.
Hay
Hay is preserving excess pasture by drying it. It works because the dry conditions prevent the growth of many decay causing microbes.
Grain
Grain is preserving the grains on grassy plants (such as wheat or oats) by drying it and storing. It works because the dry conditions prevent the growth of many decay causing microbes.
Silage
Silage is preserving pasture or plant material by fermenting it. This is a process akin to pickling.
Process
Cutting
First the materials which are to be used for silage production are cut or harvested. Forage which has been finely cut (1-2 cm) compacts better and thus ensiles better.
Drying
Then they are dried to 60-70% moisture content. This can take half to one day.
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to heaps except in a pit), tower silos (silo used for silage, can store up to 340 tonnes) and round bale silage (bales of silage wrapped in airtight plastic). Often to remove air from the silage material tractors are driven over the silage material. Removing air (and oxygen) is essential for anaerobic fermentation. The lack of oxygen prevents the survival of decay causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria.
Ensiling
During ensiling, bacteria in the fodder begin anaerobic respiration (as there is no oxygen) which is also known as fermentation. They produce lactic acid which also eventually kills the bacteria. After this there is no bacteria or fungi to deteriorate the fodder. Silage can be stored in this state for many years until the ensiling vessel is opened.
Opening
When the ensiling vessel is opened, decay will begin again and the silage will need to be eaten quickly. This is why silage is almost always made on farms where they are to be used and cannot be transported easily.
Hay
Hay is dried pasture which is often then baled and stored.
Process
Cutting
The pasture is harvested or cut. This must be done during fine weather to prevent leaching or nutrients.
Drying
The plant material is then let to dry (usually in the paddock) to around 15-20% moisture content. It is turned occasionally and can be conditioned (having their stems crushed lightly with rubber rollers) with a mower conditioner for faster, more even drying.
Baling
The pasture is then pressed into bales and stored in a hay shed, where it is kept dry. Small rectangular bales can be around 25 kg whilst large rectangular cylindrical bales can be up to 2 tonnes.
Moisture Content
Moisture content should be roughly 15-20%. If too moist, it can lead to overheating which destroys protein and can cause fire. It too dry, leaves, the most valuable part of the hay, can be lost.
Grain
Grain is the dried seeds of grassy plants.
Process
Harvest
Harvest occurs when the seed has matured and dried to a moisture content of 12% or less.
Storage
Grain is stored in vermin-proof steel silos (vermin are unwanted pests). It is often treated with a special insecticide to prevent attack from grain eating insects like weevils. Grain can be stored for many years with little quality loss provided it is kept dry and pest free.
Technology
Technology is very useful for fodder conservation as it allows jobs to be completed faster, easier and with less labour than in the past. Below are a few applications of technology in fodder conservation.
Silobags (Silage)
Used to store silage, these are polyurethane airtight bags which are used to store silage.
At School
At school we use machinery such as sod seeders (sows oats), hay rakes and hay balers.
Safety
The rules below should be observed: Do not walk on or play in grain (except for specific purposes) as suffocation can occur if grain collapses. Silos are confined places which can accumulate life-threatening gases as well as be very deficient in oxygen. Insecticides, fumigants and other poisons may have been used to treat grain and can kill. Enter a silo from the bottom so if you are overcome you may fall into clean air. Avoid climbing a silo. Check around for overhead power lines and avoid contact with the auger (drill used when delivering grain to or from the silo) and always ensure the auger "flight" is empty and lowered before moving it around the farm as it can overbalance and cause a fatal accident.