Silage additive choices

[Matt]

Hi all.
What do/would people use for First cut, mid may, 80% grazing leys, 20% of area is Italian ryegrass, all under 5 years so good grass, Aiming for around 35% dm, so on the dryer side.

Have used Lallemand platinum dry and been pleased with the forage we have made, wondered if there was anything better out there. As think the price is getting on this year and have little knowledge of what else is out there.

Thanks Matt

 

[upnortheast]

Imo sunshine is the best additive. So if you can consistently get over 30% DM and you follow the well documented rules of good silage making then save your money.

 

[clover]

Hi Matt
You dont mention why you use an additive. Is it to achive a rapid fermentation so as to improve quality or is it to control heating on the clamp face?
if the second is your reason,the type of additive you are using is correct. It produces compound that can control yeast and mould growth and stop spoilage but are expensive per tonne forage
But heating of the clamp face can be controlled by good clamp management - narrow clamps, well compacted, well sealed. If you are achieving this, then it is an additive that achieves a rapid fermentation that you need to use. This will ensure maximum preservation of nutrients. They mostly contain L. plantarum bacteria and will be cheaper at less than £1/tonne

 

[Matt]

Hi Matt
You dont mention why you use an additive. Is it to achive a rapid fermentation so as to improve quality or is it to control heating on the clamp face?
if the second is your reason,the type of additive you are using is correct. It produces compound that can control yeast and mould growth and stop spoilage but are expensive per tonne forage
But heating of the clamp face can be controlled by good clamp management - narrow clamps, well compacted, well sealed. If you are achieving this, then it is an additive that achieves a rapid fermentation that you need to use. This will ensure maximum preservation of nutrients. They mostly contain L. plantarum bacteria and will be cheaper at less than £1/tonne

I want to improve quality, but probably the bigger benefit for us is at feed out. As we have one clamp of quality for young stock and one clamp made from meadow ground for dry cows, which once calved go onto some of the good stuff before going out.

I use shear grab and only take 30cms off face at time to get across quickly.

I'm a believer that addative makes good grass better. I'll put up our results in a min

 

[Matt]

The one higher in dry matter is from the top half of clamp where it would of been later in day going in.
I prefer our silage drier than wetter.

 

[Great In Grass]

I want to improve quality, but probably the bigger benefit for us is at feed out. As we have one clamp of quality for young stock and one clamp made from meadow ground for dry cows, which once calved go onto some of the good stuff before going out.

I use shear grab and only take 30cms off face at time to get across quickly.

I'm a believer that addative makes good grass better. I'll put up our results in a min

I have sold silage additive for more years than I care to remember and it is impossible to improve on what you have.

An inoculant can only try and preserve what sugar & nutrients is in the grass.

 

[Matt]

I have sold silage additive for more years than I care to remember and it is impossible to improve on what you have.

An inoculant can only try and preserve what sugar & nutrients is in the grass.

Sorry ment good silage better for the reasons you mention.

 

[Great In Grass]

That's what I thought you meant after I made my comments.