Silage analysis looking good
Silage analysis looking good
PRE-FIRST cut silage analysis results reveal good protein values, but two days of sunshine are needed for sugar levels to recover before ensiling.
Samples from several units in the south-west were recently taken on two occasions a week apart, says ADAS nutritionist Bruce Cottrill. "As expected, D-values fell by two units between samplings as grass matured."
But the concern is a fall in sugar from 4.2% to 3.8%, reflecting changes in weather. "Sugars have probably dropped further with the colder, cloudy weather this week. However, % sugar will rapidly pick up after a couple of days of sunshine."
Another common concern is high nitrate silage. "Nitrates were barely detectable in all samples at less than 0.02%."
Dr Cottrill believes high nitrate silage is unlikely to be a problem this season, unless cutting heavily fertilised grass. "Good growing conditions in April mean most nitrogen has been used up for grass growth." *
% Dry matter 18
% Crude protein 21
D-value 74