Preservation of total mixed rations (TMR)

In the dairy cattle feed normally the use of a total mixed ration (TMR) is applied, as it is mixed together directly before feeding  on a feed trailer. The great advantage of TMR is to ensure that the animal receives a simultaneous supply of nutrients from the feed components, which is of great importance for high yielding dairy cows in relation to a synchronous supply of energy and protein. Furthermore, upon presentation of a TMR cows are no longer able to sort out less tasty food matches.

After mixing the high-energy TMR the process of strenuous reheating may be put into operation. To prevent this the use of acidifiers out of the SCHAUMASIL or SILOSTAR – programme is recommended. To achieve an energy enhancement of the TMR, glucoplastic matters may be added. It is also possible to apply a product combination of glucoplastic matters with acidifiers.

Hygiene in the liquid feed

The fermentation of liquid feed is becoming an ever-more prominent theme in pig production as the fermentation process enables more targeted control of hygiene conditions in liquid feeding. In addition, a targeted fermentation process improves the availability of nutrients, thus reducing feed costs.

Requirements for fermentation

• Anaerobic fermenting conditions in an air-free environment

• A fermentation substrate that is rich in starch and/or carbohydrates

• Raw materials without coarse constituents that are suitable for pumping

• A uniform substrate composition

• Non-fermented raw materials, pH > 6.0

• Fermentation temperature between 20 and 40° C

• Low-germ substrate (yeasts)

• Optimum pipe and tank hygiene

Grain, maize and CCM

The feeding of hygienic grain is the basic requirement for a high performance of the animals. Grain has a high natural seed stocking. Bacteria, yeasts and molds threaten the quality of the grain.

With a high water content and natural seed stocking these microorganisms can grow above average. Their metabolism increases the moisture content and the temperature of stored grain. The microbiological spoilage of the grain gets accelerated.

Preservation

• Acidifiers provide hygienic and proper food

Silage

• The ensiling of wet grain, maize or CCM is a cost effective and user-friendly way of preservation

• Farms provide from more flexibility, as an earlier cleaning work of the field gets possible

• To secure sufficient palatability and storage stability the use of suitable lactic acid bacteria is essential

Basic food hygiene and preservation

The production of high quality forage plays a central role for profitable milk production. Increasing basic food services leads to declining feed cost per cow per year. For farms the following principle should be applied:  best basic feed leads to a higher forage performance which leads to a higher milk yield and a higher profit per cow per year.