RRL-Blog

Three ways to protect your forage investment

Posted on
May 27, 2022
by
Buffy Uglow    buffy_uglow@rockriverlab.com

By: Cliff Ocker

Mother nature doesn’t always cooperate with our timetable for planting and harvesting forages. While current weather has offered some extra downtime this spring, reviewing management practices should be a priority to ensure the best forage possible is harvested when the sun finally shines. These practices and other factors are core to achieving the goal of clean, highly-digestible forages.

Our understanding of forage quality importance has continued to grow over the decades, especially for ruminates. Typically, the largest portion of the ruminant diet is forage and next to water, the next nutrient needed in the largest quantity is energy. For instance, a shortage of energy in the diet is much more difficult to replace than a few pounds of protein. Forages should be looked at as a means to contribute as much energy to the diet as possible via digestible nutrients, fiber, and starch specifically.

Keep it clean

From a management standpoint, the goal should be to put up clean forage quickly and at the right moisture to help preserve as many nutrients as possible. A forage that meets these criteria and is packed and covered correctly, has nutrients preserved by ensuring a quick drop in pH and faster fermentation that ‘burns up’ fewer nutrients.

By clean feed, I mean feed and forage with minimal ash (soil) incorporated. Ash in the forage actually acts as a buffer and doesn’t allow the pH to drop as quickly as we would like. An elongated fermentation means that more nutrients will be lost, and a much higher chance of molds and yeast exists as many soil-borne pathogens are introduced. I suggest reviewing equipment and harvesting practices for possible weaknesses – such as possible ash contamination by either the equipment or method of harvest - which could compromise crop quality. When combined with high moisture content in forage, elevated ash levels create an ideal breeding ground for Clostridia.

Optimize fermentation

Harvesting at the correct moisture for the storage type can’t be overemphasized.  The correct moisture will help establish the desired pack and density, which ensures a good fermentation. It can be difficult to overcome a poor fermentation as it typically goes from bad to worse during feedout. If the forage starts getting too dry when harvesting, it may be better to let it completely dry, then harvest to avoid a poor fermentation. Protect your forage investment by striving for the best fermentation possible.  A fermentation profile run through a forage laboratory can also help determine the quality of the fermentation.

Understanding that mother nature doesn’t always cooperate; what should be done when suspect feed emerges? If forage must be made wetter than preferred, consider feeding it out sooner as the wetter forage [greater than 65 percent moisture in hay crop] may have a slower fermentation and burn up more nutrients over time. If the forage gets rained on prior to harvest, water-soluble sugars may be washed out - leaving less ‘fuel’ for lactic acid thus compromising the fermentation process. Keep in mind that a successful fermentation can help combat pathogenic mold and bacteria coming in from the field, so we must strive for a strong fermentation through management to produce high-quality forage.

Review feed hygiene

Cows can handle a lot of what is thrown their way, but when stressed (calving, high production, heat stress, overcrowding), the accumulation of several hygienic forage issues can throw cows off feed. Get to know what you are dealing with when cows are telling you that something is ‘off'. Then work with a laboratory to review dirty feed issues like mold and yeasts, Clostridia, mycotoxins, and enterobacteria to see if multiple challenges may be facing the herd.

High-quality, clean forages are an important part of higher-performing and healthier animals, along with the ability to improve the bottom line. Nutrients lost through fermentation must then be replaced in the diet - basically doubling your cost for that nutrient. Homegrown feeds are a significant investment and worth taking time to review protocols, equipment, and practices to protect the investment and put up the best clean, highly digestible forages possible.

Posted in:
Animal Nutrition