As we transition from a particularly harsh winter, it’s an opportune moment to strategise on future forage supplies. Those with cereal crops already planted have a considerable advantage thanks to the integration of innovative alkasystems technology, providing a critical stopgap during the colder months.
Embracing Multi-Cut Silage Systems for Superior Forage Quality
Adopting a multi-cut silage system could be your key to securing highly nutritious forages. These systems are designed to produce forages with elevated energy and protein levels, alongside more digestible fibre. However, it’s important to monitor these forages closely as they can ferment rapidly, leading to challenges such as low Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) levels and increased acidity. These conditions may lower rumen pH, mimicking symptoms of sub-acute ruminal acidosis.
To counter these effects, incorporating a secondary forage type, such as maize silage or cereal whole crop silages, is advisable. These forages provide additional energy from starch and sugars, helping to stabilise the nutritional content of the silage clamp.
Challenges and Solutions in Complementary Forage Types
Despite the benefits, there are inherent challenges with complementary fermented whole crop or maize silages, particularly their acidic nature, typically around pH 3.7. This acidity can heighten the risk of sub-acute ruminal acidosis, adversely affecting herd health. It is vital to integrate practices that mitigate these risks to maintain a healthy and productive herd.
Advancements in Forage Technology with Alkasystems
The introduction of alkasystems technology marks a significant advancement in forage processing. Developed through extensive research, the Home n’ Dry system involves a one-step pelleting process that, when combined with cereals, elevates the pH to about 8.5. This increase not only enhances the forage’s protein content by approximately 4-5% but also improves overall crop quality.
The Triple Benefit of Alkalage
When whole crop cereals are treated with these specialised pellets during clamping and subsequently sheeted, a series of beneficial chemical reactions occur. The pellets release ammonia, leading to the formation of alkaline ammonium salts, primarily ammonium bicarbonate. This reaction buffers the pH of the whole crop to at least 8.5 and enriches its protein content to an average of 14%.
Additionally, the interaction between ammonia and the lignin in plant cell walls significantly enhances digestibility. The increased starch content in the mature whole crop optimises the performance of rumen microflora, which improves the digestion of other forages in a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) system, supports herd fertility, and balances nitrogen levels in grass silage.
Maximising Yield with Alkalage
Alkalage is produced by harvesting a fully mature cereal crop, ensuring maximum dry matter and thus, yielding more forage per acre. This is especially crucial following a season marked by delays and forage shortages. High dry matter, digestible forage enriched with protein and starch, is vital for overcoming past challenges and preparing for future demands.
Integrating Alkalage and Maize Silage for Optimal Rumen Health
Alkalage can be effectively paired with maize silage to reduce the challenges associated with high-starch diets. This combination provides essential proteins and a more digestible form of starch necessary for driving rumen microflora. Utilising a balanced mix of these crops can reduce the daily feed volume, extend forage availability throughout the year, and stabilise the diet for livestock.
Ensuring Consistent Nutrient Value Across Forages
Both maize silage and Alkalage typically maintain stable and consistent nutrient values, which is crucial for balancing diets with fluctuating grass-based forages. The higher pH of Alkalage complements the acidic nature of other silages, creating an optimal environment for fibre-digesting bacteria in the rumen. This balance is essential for maximising forage-based production, reducing reliance on costly purchased farm inputs, and boosting overall farm sustainability.
As we look ahead, integrating these advanced forage solutions not only secures your immediate cattle feed needs but also enhances long-term agricultural productivity and herd health. Embracing these technologies and practices will ensure that your farm remains resilient against future challenges, while optimising the nutritional output from your forages.