Red clover silage bales.

[redsloe]

I've been making red clover silage for a couple of years now and I am finding that there's always a black mucky covering on the outside of the bales. Why is this?
I try to make it fairly dry so it's never too wet, so do I need to put more layers of wrap on them?

 

[organicguy]

Do you use an additive?

 

[Kiwi Pete]

It's an enzyme that binds with a protein in it, and they combine to make that "ooze"; like why an apple goes brown. Plus there are less bacteria on RC than grasses, so if it's a really high RC percentage an additive can help. Still good feed for them even when it is black, more wrap won't stop the oxidation thingy though.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Is it pure red clover or a clover grass mix

 

[HarryB97]

Been making red clover silage for 5 years and have never had any black mucky covering. 25% red clover and the rest a mix of grass with 6 layers of wrap.

 

[redsloe]

Do you use an additive?

No additive, I bale it myself and don't have an applicator.

 

[redsloe]

Is it pure red clover or a clover grass mix

Some grass in it but not much. I've baled herbal leys too this year but haven't sampled the stacks yet.

 

[Martyn]

I've been making red clover silage for a couple of years now and I am finding that there's always a black mucky covering on the outside of the bales. Why is this?
I try to make it fairly dry so it's never too wet, so do I need to put more layers of wrap on them?

I wouldn't worry about we made 1200-1500 a year upto last year's, most would have a slight black edge. Clamp this year not missing the plastic.

 

[redsloe]

I wouldn't worry about we made 1200-1500 a year upto last year's, most would have a slight black edge. Clamp this year not missing the plastic.

I prefer a clamp too, everything 1st cut goes in and any subsequent cuts gets baled. Bales mainly for summer use. It's the continuous cleaning out of cr ap that's annoying.

 

[steveR]

Some grass in it but not much. I've baled herbal leys too this year but haven't sampled the stacks yet.

My herbal ley bales are always black, but are much loved by all the stock.

Biggest issue is the chicory stems... I failed to remind the Contractor to put the chopper on this time, so piles of sticks in the ring, but I let the cattle or sheep pick it through thoroughly, and not much smaller material left.