Forage preservation under changing climate conditions: the industry better be prepared

We are proud to have sponsored the 18th International Symposium Forage Conservation that took place in Brno, Czech Republic. This event is dedicated to all aspects of forage production and preservation, with nutrition sessions dedicated to interpreting the nutritional value of silages and their effect on animals, as well as precision farming.

On August 13, Lallemand’s silage expert Gordon Marley gave an enlightening lecture: “Silage under a Changing Climate”¹, as part of a session on fermentation process of silages – harvesting, additives, conservation, stability, and storage.

“As we are facing climate changes, each aspect of animal production is inevitably affected and producers must adapt,” explained Marley, before focusing on the effects of rising temperatures on microorganisms within the forage, fermentation patterns, stability, and feeding value. He concluded that the silage industry should adapt to meet the demands of managing forages that potentially need to be fed rapidly after ensiling due to lack of feed, as well as managing silage that can be both harder to ensile and less stable.
A poster was also presented at the Symposium, entitled: Heterogeneity of corn silage across the face of a bunker and throughout the bunker. This field study stresses out the importance of silage removal techniques used at feeding time; and potential on production and health of the animal².

For more information about these two new publications, contact us and for more insights on forage preservation, visit www.qualitysilage.com.