If you plan to feed silage to cows, there are several things you should know. These factors include ACETIC ACID BACTERIA, LOW CARBOHYDRATE LEVELS, ENZYME ADJUSTMENTS, and RESTRICTIONS OF ACCESS TO PREPARTUM.
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ACETIC ACID BACTERIA
In many parts of the world, silage is commonly used as a ruminant feed. To enhance its preservation properties, silage producers often inoculate it with lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria produce metabolites that affect bacterial communities and the digestive tract of ruminants. For this study, twenty-four local hybrid rams were divided into four groups and fed corn stalk silage or untreated corn stalk silage.
When silage is exposed to air, it can become infected with acetic acid bacteria. These bacteria, which are found in soil and manure, alter silage’s physical and chemical properties. Moreover, they can cause sour silage. The exact role of these organisms varies with the type of crop, but it is generally believed that they account for about forty percent of the variation in heat and CO2 production in corn silage.
LOW CARBOHYDRATE LEVELS
There are several factors to consider when feeding silage to cows. First, remember that cows don’t produce milk from silage. Instead, they produce milk from digested feed. Second, silages with similar ME content can have a vastly different DyNE. In addition, consider the acid load and fibre index, as these factors will help you predict whether silage will affect the rumen’s ability to ferment feed.
Finally, make sure to choose the right forage for the particular type of cow. Corn silage is a good choice for replacement cows, but it should only be fed in limited quantities and mixed with low-energy forages. Silage is high in energy, so it needs to be carefully rationed to prevent overfeeding.
ENZYME ADJUSTMENTS
There are a few things to consider when feeding silage to cows. First, you should know what silage contains. It contains ammonia. In 1995, McAllister et al. measured the ammonia content in silage.
The amount of enzymes in silage can affect the digestive efficiency of feed. A low concentration of enzymes in silage can affect the absorption of nutrients. It can also decrease the digestion of organic matter. Enzyme supplements can be used to reduce this negative effect.
When feeding silage to cows, it is important to choose a variety that will help your cows produce milk. A high protein hay can increase milk yield, while a low-protein hay may result in poor milk yield. However, it is important to avoid overfeeding protein to cows.
RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS PREPARTUM
Restrictions on access to prepartum when feeding silage to cows have been associated with difficult and delayed calving. In addition, underfed heifers have higher rates of dystocia and stillbirth. The number of calves requiring assistance during calving is also higher in underfed heifers. Another potential negative effect of silage feeding is the increase in the number of male calves.
In this study, cows were restricted to 70 percent of their daily intake for six months prior to calving. This dietary restriction was chosen because it provides an adequate dietary restriction and reflects common practices in the beef herd in the western United States during late gestation. The study also included a mineral supplement one month prior to the expected calving date. Cows were then given ad libitum access to up to 0.91 kgxhd-1 of silage for the final month before calving.
IMPLICATIONS FOR STORAGE
Storage conditions affect the quality of silage for cows. If the forage is not properly dried and stored, it can develop an unpleasant odor. Several factors can contribute to this unpleasant odor, such as wetness or an insufficient lactic acid bacteria population.
The quality of round bale silage depends on the moisture content. It is best fed within a few months to retain its quality. The longer the silage is stored, the greater the risk of damage caused by air, moisture and rodents. Stored silage should be kept in well-drained locations, free from stubble and other weeds. The site should also be clean to prevent rodents from damaging the bales. Lastly, it is vital to check the bagged silage regularly and patch any holes that may occur.
Properly installed silage facers are crucial for efficient silage management. Facers remove a thin layer of silage and help maintain a smooth bunk face. However, a recent study in Wisconsin showed that the use of silage facers did not reduce particle size. Therefore, operators should carefully monitor the operation of the facers and remove only what they need for the current feeding. Moreover, they should clean up any loose feed as they remove it. Finally, silage facers should be designed so that the open face of the silage is sheltered from prevailing winds and the heat of the afternoon sun.