To preserve silage, an additive forms an integral part of Steve’s system. But as further proof, he undertook a comparison last season by leaving some grass untreated, while the rest received Ecosyl.
Two separate silage analyses confirmed improved fermentation following the Ecosyl treatment, he says, with a stable clamp and no burning up of sugar. But more significantly, cows yielded 1.4 litres more milk/cow/day on the treated silage, with milk protein increasing from 3.72% to 3.86% and butterfat hitting 4.9%.
“These animals were in mid-lactation. If they had been given that silage during peak lactation they’d have probably given an extra 1-1.5 litres again."
“The comparison was well worth doing. In one field where we had raked it a bit low and picked up a bit of slurry, the Ecosyl overpowered the slurry bacteria."
“The old school says if the sun is shining you don’t need an additive to make grass silage. But you’ve got to stabilise it in the clamp by dropping the pH quickly. If you don’t use an additive, that’s not going to happen."
“My view is, if you’re relying more on forage, for the cost per tonne treated, an additive is the right thing to do.