(I) Technical Overview
Silage and yellow silage are high-quality feeds that are rich in nutrients, easy to digest, and highly palatable. These feeds are produced by chopping fresh plant materials and subjecting them to microbial anaerobic fermentation and chemical reactions under sealed, oxygen-free conditions. This process not only enhances the nutritional value of the feed but also helps in balancing the availability of livestock feed throughout the year.
(II) Increasing Production and Efficiency
With the rapid development of animal husbandry, China faces a growing challenge: the increasing demand for feed due to a shrinking labor force and competition between humans and animals for resources. Meanwhile, many agricultural areas suffer from inefficient feed processing technologies, leading to the waste of crop residues and agricultural by-products. To address this issue, advanced silage technology has been developed to convert these materials into nutritious feed for ruminants. This method not only alleviates feed shortages but also reduces environmental pollution and provides additional income for farmers. In recent years, the technology has been successfully implemented in regions like Ningxia, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.
(3) Key Technical Points
1. Harvesting: Whole-plant silage corn is typically harvested during the late maturity stage to early wax ripening stage. Semi-dry silage is best harvested during the wax ripening stage. Yellow storage corn stalks should be harvested 15 days before ripening, while leguminous grasses are harvested at the early flowering or heading stage.
2. Transportation: The harvested material should be transported and stored promptly to maintain quality.
3. Chopping: Silage material is usually cut into pieces of 1–2 cm, while yellow storage material requires shorter cuts.
4. Moisture Adjustment: The ideal moisture content for silage is 60%–70%. If the material is too wet, it should be dried in the sun before processing. Water is not added initially, but a small amount can be sprinkled when filling up to 50–70 cm. For dry corn stover, water should be gradually added as the pile reaches 50 cm in height, followed by compaction.
5. Filling and Compaction: The material should be chopped, filled, and compacted immediately. Each layer should be 30–50 cm thick and compacted thoroughly. When making yellow silage, adding 0.5%–1% corn flour or 450g of lactic acid bacteria culture per ton of material can improve quality. Urea or formaldehyde may also be used in appropriate amounts.
6. Sealing: After filling, the silo should be sealed immediately. The material should be packed about 30 cm above the surface, covered with plastic film, and then buried with soil 30–50 cm deep. The top should be shaped into a dome to ensure an airtight seal.
7. Management: After sealing, drainage ditches should be dug around the silo to prevent rainwater from seeping in. In rainy areas, temporary shelters should be placed over the silos, and regular inspections are necessary. Any cracks in the dome should be repaired promptly with soil.
8. Opening: Silage made from corn or sorghum is generally ready for use after 30–40 days, while legume-based silage takes 2–3 months.
9. Retrieval: When retrieving silage, excavate from one end and cut vertically from top to bottom. Avoid fully opening the silo to reduce exposure. Use only what is needed for the day and cover the remaining material immediately. If feeding stops for an extended period, reseal the silo using the original method to maintain its integrity.
10. Feeding: Silage is a high-quality, juicy feed. When first introduced to livestock, start with small amounts and gradually increase to allow animals to adapt.
(4) Precautions
The moisture content of the raw materials must be carefully controlled within the range of 60%–70%. Proper compaction and sealing—especially at the corners—are crucial. During production, any added materials should be evenly distributed to ensure uniform fermentation.
(5) Suitable Areas
This technology is suitable for all agricultural regions, especially those where crop residues and agricultural by-products are abundant. It offers a sustainable solution for feed production and resource utilization, supporting both rural economies and environmental protection.
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