Crimped grain is another way producers can use home-grown feed to bolster rations, as its high energy content can help displace a proportion of purchased feed. However, when it comes to handling crimped grain, the way it is treated and ensiled has a big impact on its nutrient retention and quality at feed out, so this must be considered.
The aim is to lose as little nutritional value as possible throughout the entire process, from crimping to feeding. Spoilage microorganisms such as yeasts and moulds must be controlled when the crimp is fermenting as well as when it is being fed out, so they do not consume the valuable nutrients preserved within the clamp. Taking control of the fermentation process and microbes present is particularly important with crimp, given that it tends to be removed and fed quite slowly.
With crimped grain having a tendency to be unstable, it should therefore be treated with an inoculant such as Magniva Platinum Crimp, to preserve nutritional value and minimise waste.
Magniva Platinum Crimp is convenient and cost-effective however, it must be applied properly to get the most from it.
When it comes to harvesting grain for crimp, the process is similar to cereal crops, it just tends to happen two to three weeks earlier when the grain is slightly softer. However, due to the equipment required for the crimping process it is important to discuss this with your contractor in advance.
When putting the grain through the crimper, you must add water, as for the inoculant to be effective the crimped grain needs to have a moisture content of at least 25%.
If the moisture content of the grain is high, more than 30%, liquid application of 4 litres/tonne is recommended. If there is any suspicion that the moisture content may be lower, start with 4 litres/tonne but this may need to be increased to 8 litres/tonne if the crimp is very dry.
The moisture ensures that the bacteria in Magniva Platinum Crimp are active and well-distributed throughout the clamp, so the crop is preserved correctly from front to back and top to bottom.
The aim is to lose as little nutritional value as possible throughout the entire process, from crimping to feeding. Spoilage microorganisms such as yeasts and moulds must be controlled when the crimp is fermenting as well as when it is being fed out, so they do not consume the valuable nutrients preserved within the clamp. Taking control of the fermentation process and microbes present is particularly important with crimp, given that it tends to be removed and fed quite slowly.
With crimped grain having a tendency to be unstable, it should therefore be treated with an inoculant such as Magniva Platinum Crimp, to preserve nutritional value and minimise waste.
Crimping grain effectively
Magniva Platinum Crimp is convenient and cost-effective however, it must be applied properly to get the most from it.
When it comes to harvesting grain for crimp, the process is similar to cereal crops, it just tends to happen two to three weeks earlier when the grain is slightly softer. However, due to the equipment required for the crimping process it is important to discuss this with your contractor in advance.
When putting the grain through the crimper, you must add water, as for the inoculant to be effective the crimped grain needs to have a moisture content of at least 25%.
If the moisture content of the grain is high, more than 30%, liquid application of 4 litres/tonne is recommended. If there is any suspicion that the moisture content may be lower, start with 4 litres/tonne but this may need to be increased to 8 litres/tonne if the crimp is very dry.
The moisture ensures that the bacteria in Magniva Platinum Crimp are active and well-distributed throughout the clamp, so the crop is preserved correctly from front to back and top to bottom.