Silage forage, often referred to as "canned grass" for livestock, is a valuable feed option known for its low nutrient loss, long-term storage capability, excellent palatability, and high digestibility. It plays a crucial role in feeding cattle and sheep during the winter and spring seasons when fresh forage is scarce. The key to successful straw silage lies in the three main steps: crushing, compacting, and sealing.
One of the most notable characteristics of silage forage is its ability to preserve well over time. Once properly sealed, corn stalks can be stored in an airtight environment without spoiling, making it an ideal solution for long-term feed storage. Additionally, silage takes up significantly less space compared to traditional hay. For example, one cubic meter of hay weighs around 70 kilograms, while the same volume of silage can weigh between 350 to 500 kilograms.
Another advantage is the reduced nutrient loss during the silage process. Unlike hay, which can lose a significant amount of protein and vitamins, silage retains more of its nutritional value. This makes it a more nutritious option for animals. Furthermore, the digestibility of silage is higher than that of hay. Studies show that the utilization rate of cellulose in silage is about 10.7% higher than in hay, leading to better nutrient absorption.
Silage is also cost-effective. Crops like corn are widely available, and excess forage from summer and autumn can be preserved through silage for use during the winter and spring months when fresh feed is limited. This not only helps in reducing feed costs but also ensures a consistent supply of high-quality forage throughout the year.
The science behind silage involves creating an anaerobic environment where lactic acid bacteria thrive. These bacteria convert sugars in the forage into organic acids, primarily lactic acid, which lowers the pH and inhibits the growth of spoilage organisms such as mold and bacteria. This natural preservation method allows silage to remain stable and safe for long periods.
There are several methods for storing silage, including pit storage, bag storage, and film wrapping. Among these, pit storage is commonly used. The process begins with selecting an appropriate site—preferably a hard, elevated area that is close to the barn and away from water sources. The size of the pit depends on the amount of silage needed, typically ranging from 1 to 12 cubic meters for a year's worth of feed for a cow, and 2 to 3 cubic meters for a sheep.
The preparation of silage materials is critical. Ideal raw materials include crops like corn, sorghum, and sunflower stalks, which are rich in soluble carbohydrates and easy to ferment. When using corn stalks, they should be chopped into 2-3 cm pieces and have a moisture content of 65-75%. If the material is too dry, a small amount of water can be added, while if it's too wet, it should be dried before packing.
Filling the silage pit requires careful layering and compaction. The chopped material should be placed in layers, each about 20 cm thick, and then compacted using feet, shovels, or tractors. Special attention must be given to the corners and walls to ensure tight compression. The entire process should be completed within a single day to maintain quality.
Sealing is the final step. Once the pit is filled to about 50-60 cm above the opening, the top should be shaped into a dome. A layer of dry wheat straw or plastic sheeting is then placed on top, followed by a 40-60 cm layer of wet soil. This helps create an airtight seal. Regular checks are necessary to ensure no cracks or collapses occur. A drainage ditch should be dug 0.5 meters away from the edge to prevent water accumulation.
After 30 to 45 days, the silage is ready for use. Before feeding, the quality should be checked: good silage has a sour, slightly fermented smell, a yellowish-green color, and feels soft and non-sticky. If it turns dark brown, shows signs of mold, or feels dry and loose, it should not be fed. When introducing silage to cattle or sheep, start with small amounts, gradually increasing to about half of their daily diet. For cows and beef cattle, silage can make up to three-quarters of their total feed.
When feeding, always take from the top of the silage pile and reseal the area immediately after each use to prevent freezing and secondary fermentation. Proper handling ensures the silage remains nutritious and safe for your livestock.
Diamond Grinding Heads
Diamond grinding head: A kind of stone material, ceramic materials and other non-metallic materials of grinding tools, especially involving a with diamond alloy grinding tools for grinding body, it includes substrate and a mill body, in which several mill body clearance to fixed to the substrate, the grinding surface of the grinding head grinding body also set a clearance, among them, the substrate is best by a certain toughness of adhesive materials, The abrasive body is preferably made of diamond alloy material. The utility model has the characteristics of high grinding performance, simple manufacture, low cost, high grinding quality and can be applied to large-scale grinding
Through the processing of various workpiece, to achieve grinding, grinding, polishing effect; According to the use, mainly divided into the following types of grinding head:
1.grinding class: mainly installed in the grinding machine grinding head, the workpiece for grinding, grinding, grinding, processing can be divided into rough grinding and fine grinding.
2.grinding class: generally used for grinding the burr of the workpiece, or the workpiece surface precision is not high processing. Use grinding machine, electric, pneumatic and other tools to high-speed operation to achieve the effect of grinding.
3.polishing class: specially for surface finish (roughness) processing and use of higher requirements, is the need for separate processing process.
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