Maize clamp management key
Poor grass growth this summer is forcing many farmers to dip into grass silage stocks, and with maize clamps likely to be opened earlier than usual, effective consolidation, the use of an inoculant and meticulous feed out management will be key.
Lientjie Colahan, forage technical support at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, says: “Maize crops are looking strong across most of the country, but a rapid increase in plant dry matter due to drought stress leading to maize crops that are tougher to compact during ensiling are raising the risk of heating and spoilage in the clamp.”
Given these conditions, Mrs Colahan explains that using an inoculant may be particularly beneficial this year, protecting the nutritional value of the crop, and – if the right product is used – giving farmers the flexibility to open the clamp and bring maize into the ration sooner, while also improving aerobic stability once the clamp is opened.
For maize ensiled under these more challenging harvest conditions, she recommends an inoculant that is suited to drier, higher-risk or weather-stressed crops, such as MAGNIVA Platinum Maize Elite.
This inoculant is powered by Lentilactobacillus hilgardii CNCM I-4785, Lentilactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788, Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12455, and the fire degrading enzymes cellulase and beta-glucanase.
“The benefits to treating maize this year are multifactorial as many crops are at higher risk of a poor fermentation and heating at feed out,” Mrs Colahan says.
“Using an inoculant that will drive the fermentation as well as inhibit yeast and mould growth will pay dividends.
Compaction is key
With the variability and overall increase in plant dry matter seen in many maize crops this year, effective compaction is also key for preventing heating and spoilage, she adds.
“Drier, more fibrous maize is difficult to consolidate because it resists compression and creates larger microscopic air spaces.
“These spaces allow yeasts and moulds to remain active for longer at the start of the fermentation, and, if not inhibited by an inoculant, they multiply quickly once the clamp is opened and oxygen is allowed back in,” Mrs Colahan says.
“Fill in thin layers and ensure sufficient weight on the clamp to force out air, especially with drier, fibrous material.
“A good rule of thumb to follow is to have 25% of the filling rate (tonnes per hour) compacting the clamp at all times.
“Seal the clamp with a high oxygen barrier sheet immediately after filling, add maximum weight, and inspect the sheets weekly. Patch holes promptly to prevent exponential spoilage from air and water ingress.”
She concludes: “The ability to open the clamp after as little as 14 days gives farmers an important management option when forage stocks are tight.
“Together, good ensiling practice and the use of the appropriate inoculant can help farmers maximise available forage, minimise spoilage and maintain feed quality when forage stocks are under pressure.”
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