Silage making Guide: A drought buster for farmers

Maize harvesting for silage making at Kaptuli farm Uasin Gishu county. [christopher kipsang, Standard] To most livestock farmers 2022 is a year to remember. This is because the drought caught many unaware before they could stock up on enough quality feed for their animals to push them through. Many animals died and the others were sold off when they were very weak, reaping very little income and driving farmers into hefty losses. However, this year we can do better by preparing feed in advance to cushion us against unforeseen circumstances. What is silage? Silage making is a process used to preserve high-moisture forage crops, such as maize, sorghum, alfalfa, and grasses, for use as animal feed. The process involves chopping forage crops and packing them tightly into a silo or bunker, where they are fermented by naturally occurring bacteria. This fermentation process converts the sugars in the forage into lactic acid, which preserves the feed and makes it more palatable for animals. Former athlete Japheth Mutai prepares silage used for feeding animals at his Kipkenyo Kazi mingi farm in Kapseret Constituency Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] Silage is an important part of livestock farming as it allows farmers to store large quantities of high-nutrient feed for use during the off-season or when forage is scarce. Many tons of feed can be stored for months on end. It also reduces the need for expensive feed supplements, such as hay and grain, which can be costly to purchase and transport. Step-by-step process of silage making The process of silage making involves cutting the forage crops, such as corn or grass, and packing them into a silo or pit, where they are fermented and preserved. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process: Harvesting The first step in making silage is to harvest the forage crops at the right stage of maturity. This is typically when the crop is at the dough stage for maize and sorghum (when you press the grain it produces a milk-like substance) or the heading stage for grass. The crop should be harvested as quickly as possible to minimize wilting and maintain the quality of the forage. To make quality silage, include a protein component such as alfalfa or lucerne on the maize, millet or nappier grass base. This makes a wholesome feed. Chopping The next step is to chop the harvested forage into small pieces, like an inch or two, usually with a forage harvester or a silage chopper. This helps to increase the surface area of the forage, making it more easily fermentable. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard] Adding molasses The purpose of molasses is to provide sugars for bacterial fermentation and not to add nutritional value. Packing The chopped forage is then packed tightly into a silo or pit, typically using a tractor-drawn packer or a loader. Small-scale farmers can pack into airtight plastic bags. The forage should be packed as tightly as possible to exclude air, as oxygen will inhibit the fermentation process. Addition of Inoculant Some farmers use an inoculant to help the fermentation process. The inoculant is added to the forage as it is packed into the silo. It contains lactic acid bacteria that will help to ferment the forage and preserve it. Sealing Once the silo or pit is full, it should be sealed tightly to exclude air. This can be done with a plastic cover or a layer of soil. The sealed silo or pit should be left to ferment for a period of time, usually 4-8 weeks. After this, it is ready for use. Feeding After fermentation is complete, the silage can be fed to animals. It should be removed from the silo or pit as needed and fed to the animals fresh. Proper storage silage should be stored in a cool and dry place. If silage is exposed to air, mold and spoilage will occur. The pH must drop quickly to a level of 4 or lower, to prevent spoilage and ensure preservation. Note that the above process is a general overview and may vary depending on the specific type of forage being used and the methods employed by the farmer Feeding When feeding cows, heifers, calves, goats or beef animals in a feedlot, the amount of silage to be fed will depend on the type and size of the animal, as well as the stage of production. For example, lactating cows will require more energy and protein than dry cows, and growing animals will require more feed than mature animals. It is important to consult with a professional nutritionist or animal scientist to determine the appropriate amount of silage to feed. Causes of spoilage Silage can go bad if it is not properly made or stored. The most common causes of spoilage are poor compaction, inadequate fermentation, or exposure to air. Poor compaction can result in insufficient lactic acid production, while inadequate fermentation can occur if the silage is not packed tightly enough or if the bacteria responsible for fermentation are not present in sufficient numbers. Exposure to air can also lead to spoilage, as oxygen can promote the growth of yeasts and molds, which can cause the silage to become moldy and unpalatable. Factors cause silage failure Temperature The ideal temperature for silage fermentation is between 15-18C. Silage fermentation is a biological process that is sensitive to temperature. If the temperature is too high, the fermentation can become too rapid and produce heat, which can cause spoilage and the loss of nutrients. If the temperature is too low, the fermentation can be too slow and can result in the growth of unwanted microorganisms. Avoid storing your paper silage in direct sunlight, this is a major cause of increased temperature and spoilage Moisture The ideal moisture content for silage is between 60-65%. Silage must be made with the proper moisture content to ensure proper fermentation. If the forage is too dry, it will not ferment properly and will be less palatable. If the forage is too wet, it can become moldy and spoil. It is important to measure the moisture content using a moisture tester before making silage to ensure that it is within the proper range. Molasses Do not use too much liquid molasses, this is another cause of spoilage. Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold that can grow on silage. They can cause health problems in animals that consume the silage, and can also reduce the nutritional value of the feed. [The writer is a Veterinary Surgeon and the Resident Vet at Farmkenya]

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