Crimp own cereals to offset silage

He says the widespread shortage of silage means third-cut and straw will be included in a lot of dairy cow diets this winter, both of which generally have a lower energy content.

“The need to add more supplementary energy to diets will result in higher feed costs if energy is supplied from purchased feeds,” he says, adding many compounders have announced price rises.

Mr Eastlake says crimped cereals can provide a cost-effective energy source to complement variable quality silages.

Wheat, barley, oats and triticale can all be crimped successfully, and in recent years there has been greater interest in crimping maize. Harvesting cereals for crimping means straw is available for feed or bedding material.

Energy source

“Crimped cereals are an excellent energy source for dairy and beef diets,” he says. “The starch is fermented in a more controlled way, compared to dry rolled cereals, reducing the risk of acidosis when higher levels are fed.”

As crimped grain is a high dry matter feed, it can be prone to aerobic deterioration and the formation of yeasts and moulds.

Mr Eastlake stresses the importance of clamp management, ensuring it is well consolidated and covered with a double layer of plastic sheeting that is then weighted down.

“An effective inoculant will improve crop stability and reduce problems when the clamp is opened,” he says. “Farmers should look for inoculants with effectiveness proven by properly conducted and reported scientific trials from reputable research centres.

“Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 is the most widely trialled inoculant for use on crimped cereals and is proven to reduce dry matter losses in the clamp. It is proven to be effective in reducing the growth of yeasts and moulds, and in improving aerobic stability.”

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name