The timing of the harvest is of great importance both for the fermentation of the crop and for nutritional value of feed. A later harvest gives a more difficult fermentation and lower nutrient content. The right time for harvest depends on the plants, the fertilization and the nutritional value to be achieved.

The harvest

Harvesting in the right weather is not always easy. It is very important to have a plan on what to do if the weather turns. If the crop is cut, it is always best to get it all in the silo or bale as soon as possible. Rain on cut crop leads to great lost in nutrients. To help salvage such a crop, usage of additive is strongly recommended.

Dry the crop to a proper DM content for the used storage system. A successful withering concentrates the sugar in the crop which favours the lactic acid bacteria. Less water activity also gives the clostridia a disadvantage. Furthermore facilitated compaction is easier and the risk of effluent is decreased.

Try to avoid pollution such as soil, manure and carcasses in the green mass. The fermentation process can be disturbed and the risk of clostridia spores increases significantly. To reduce the risk of interference make sure that the fields are regular, avoid spreading of solid manure on the grass, cut the crop at a custom stubble height and look out for wild life.