ANSC 318 1st Edition Lecture 14 Outline of Last Lecture I Pasture Grazing Systems Hay Systems and Field Losses Outline of Current Lecture II Hay Losses a Storage Losses III Strategies to Reduce Storage and Feed Losses a Strategies to Reduce Storage Losses b Strategies to Reduce Feeding Losses i Bale Feeders ii Restrict Time of Access to Hay IV Silages a Type of Silage b Advantages of Silage c Disadvantages of Silage d Types of Silos e Costs of Storage Losses By Silo Current Lecture know this Hay Losses Storage Losses Storage losses can vary tremendously by storage method used and weather conditions Storage losses influence both forage quality and quantity as time passes when stored outside fiber increases protein decreases and digestion decreases quality is a reflection of protein paying to store hay pays off in the end keep off the ground bales on pallets and away from rain plastic wrap Feeding Losses hay feeding losses can vary widely allowing cows unlimited access to hay without use of some type of feeder will result in huge losses from laying stepping or fecal material type of feeder effects amount of hay loss feeders limit access to hay These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute Strategies to Reduce Storage and Feeding Losses properly store hay to reduce loss of quality and quantity during storage use more effective round bale feeders to reduce feeding losses limit access time of cows to reduce feeding losses and to stretch forage supplies Strategies to Reduce Storage Losses 1 Store hay in barn or under roof structure 2 Use baler with plastic wrap attachment can bale wetter minimize field storage losses can make field silage 3 Cover bales with plastic tarp more effective if put on pallets 4 Place bales on pallet or tires When hay gets wet loss percentage increases Strategies to Reduce Feeding Losses I Use Good Bale Feeders open bottom ring hay feeder 100 sheeted bottom ring hay feeder 300 sheeted bottom cone hay feeder 525 worth the extra money waste decreases with a better feeder can lose up to half of hay due to bad storage feeding habits II Restrict Time of Access to Hay many studies done on how limiting access effects feeding losses decreases them drastically animals do not gain as well Silage Silage product of controlled anaerobic fermentation of green forage crops that have been compressed and stored in oxygen limiting containers called silos simulates behavior of microbes in rumen high moisture high temperature low oxygen length of fermentation process 2 to 3 weeks fermentation never stops in cattle Type of Silage Carbonaceous Silages 10 CP corn and milo silage grass silage stover silage Proteinaceous Silages 10 CP alfalfa silages clover silages Advantages of Silage Compared to Hay preserves a higher proportion of plant nutrients high quality succulent feed with little wastage harvesting of forage is not as dependent on good weather flexibility of harvesting crops decrease waste and feeding losses Disadvantages of Silage Compared to Hay inflexibility in marketing silage harvesting equipment is expensive feed handling moving equipment is more expensive reduces the amount of organic matter returned to soil increase moisture must be fed within 1 2 days when pulled from silo Types of Silos 1 Air tight silos blue most efficient 2 Stave upright not airtight 3 Plastic airtight silo bag 4 Horizontal concrete bench bunker silo can be below ground top layer spoiled 5 Horizontal dirt trench air trench increase storage losses Storage Losses Cost of Various Types of Silos the more airtight the less loss if left on the ground losses increase less loss more money
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