Chapter 20 – Grassland 4

Convection of grass as a winter feed

Silage Fermentation of carbohydrates in the grass produces acids that lower the pH of the grass and
inhibit all microbial activity. Properly fermented and preserved silage can be stored for a few years.

Acidic 7 14
neutral

Hay grass is dehydrated to remove the majority of the water present. In the absence of water, microbial
activity is inhibited.

Heading out, when half of the grass plants have produced seed heads.

Ensiling: the process of storing grass or another crop in a silo, clamp or pit for preservation as silage.

 A farmer can provide the optimum conditions for high carbohydrates levels in ensiled grass by:
 Cut grass when it is leafy.
 Cutting in dry weather
 Using double machinery
 Leaving the grass to wilt.
 Adding molasses to the ensiled grass.

Silage production

 Silage should be cut in mid-May and July/Aug – weather is good.

 Use good quality grass and close prg/irg fields 8 weeks before cutting.
 Fertilization: too little N will affect quality of crop. P – phosphorus and K – potassium. depend on
the amount of slurry applied to land.
 Must be cut when DMD is high. Therefore, high in sugar which is fermented to acid.
 Biochemistry of silage making: the fermentation process.

Characteristic Lactic acid silage Low

Carbohydrate concentration High Low
Bacteria present Lactobacillus Clostridium
Acid produced Lactic acid Butyric acid
Silage quality Good Poor
Nutritinal value Good Poor
Palatability Palatable to stock Unpalatable to stock
Storage duration Several years A few months

 Fermentation by lactobacillus produces good-quality, lactic acid silage: fermentation by

clostridium produces poor quality, butyric acid silage.

Silage production.