dry silage

farmer32

opened the pit four days ago. grass has a very high dry matter content, already showing signs of secondary heating. it ws not wilted but cut with mower conditioner and then precision chopped.it smells more like tobaco than silage. very dry.

what should i do with it and is it safe to feed

49801

Are you feeding every day or every 2nd/3rd.
The more frequent to draw the less secondary heating you will have.
You could also only go half depth of the grab so you get across the pit face quicker.

It's unseasonably mild so secondary heating is more prevalent than normal

farmer32

feeding every 2nd day, silage quite dry, cows seem happy enough with it but keeping the face from goin off is goin to be an issue

moy83

A neighbour had the same problem the year before last and he was thinking first that he wouldnt be able to use it at all . But as the the temperature dropped later in the year it was grand . Hopefully the same will be the case with yourself

bob charles

it will be more stable further back in the pit and you will be feeding everyday which is grand unless your shifting it to out farm

blackdog1

Did you use additive? Had the same problem on 6 acres I put in last year. Was ok for 2 weeks then I had to feed it to bullocks. Worked out fine. Just be careful if u see mould

farmer32

NO additive, why did you hve to feed it to bullocks. i am feeding it to springing cows

blackdog1

Got a bit mouldy at the end. So didn't risk it. If their was no mould visible I would have kept feeding it