Modern agriculture is constantly evolving to meet technological needs and maximize efficiency and profitability while maintaining sustainability of operations. Forage crops play a crucial role in supplying proper quality animal feed to support animal products production (e.g., milk and meat). Among management strategies to maintain quality of conserved feeds, wrapping is a crucial one. This article will address major topics related to silage production to optimize forage production.

Wrapping is a forage conservation technique that involves wrapping baleage or silage bales in a tight plastic film layers. This method helps preserve the forage’s nutritional quality by reducing losses from oxidation and contamination by microorganisms. The baling process creates an anaerobic environment, promoting lactic fermentation and preventing mold and other pathogens’ development. Some of the advantages of utilizing wrapping include:

• Optimal conservation: wrapping protects the forage material from air and moisture, preventing decomposition and maintaining the nutritional value of the harvested material. Wrapped forage can be stored outdoors in adequate areas.
• Flexibility and efficiency: this method allows for harvesting forage at an optimal maturity stage maintaining its quality. Wrapping can be done faster than under hay production, because this process reduces the drying time which minimizing losses.
• Reduced losses: post-harvest losses can be significantly reduced through wrapping. Unlike traditional hay storage methods, which can lead to significant losses from moisture and mold when the bales are stored in areas where they are exposed, baling protects the forage material.
• Environmental benefits: wrapping reduces the need for additional agricultural land to offset forage yield and quality losses.

Wrapping as a tool to conserve forages          

Prior to wrapping, forage is harvest at proper stubble height to ensure adequate residual leaf area and optimal regrowth, then the material is manipulated for drying. Once the forage harvested achieves the proper moisture range, the material is baled, and bales are wrapped in the field . Using high-quality plastic film with adequate elasticity and resistance is crucial to ensure a perfect seal. A light-colored film is typically preferred to reduce heat buildup under the plastic. The forage moisture range at baling must be adequate once materials over the correct moisture content can lead to undesirable fermentation, mold growth, reduce lactic fermentation efficiency and issues with the quality of the conserved material.

(https://www.anjou-agricole.com/reussir-lenrubannage-et-lensilage-dherbe https://www.farmprogress.com/forage/wrap-it-right-for-good-haylage).

Best management practices when wrapping forages

• Equipment Check: ensure baling equipment is in good working condition in order to prevent tears and leaks.
• Moisture Control: use a moisture meter to ensure forage is at the optimal moisture range (40-60% moisture for baleage and over 60% for silage).
• Storage: wrapped forage bales should be stored on a clean, well-drained surface to avoid damage and contamination.

Conclusion

Wrapping forage bales is a viable option to conserve and maintain quality, while supporting economic and environmental benefits. By adopting best practices and using appropriate equipment and materials, farmers can maximize their operations’ efficiency and forage production quality. Properly conducting wrapping techniques supports livestock nutritional needs and sustainable agricultural practices.

References

[1]- Réussir l’enrubannage d’herbe. Chantiers de récolte Réussir l’enrubannage d’herbe, Arvalis-Institut du végétal  Publié le 25/04/2022 à 06:03  Mise à jour à 09:41. Link : https://www.web-agri.fr/enrubannage/article/147214/reussir-l-enrubannage-d-herbe

[2]- Fenaison : Réussir l’enrubannage et l’ensilage d’herbe. March 26 2021. Link: https://www.anjou-agricole.com/reussir-lenrubannage-et-lensilage-dherbe.

[3]- Wrap it right for good haylage. Air is the problem. Wrap and handle haylage to eliminate it. By Robert Fears. May 2, 2018. Link: https://www.farmprogress.com/forage/wrap-it-right-for-good-haylage

[4]-Silva, L.S. et al.. Concepts and Research-Based Guidelines for Forage-Livestock Systems in the Southeast Region. 2022. 127 pages.

[5]-Forage Management: Making Haylage. Dr. Gary Bates. Posted on Apr 02, 2021. Link: https://utbeef.tennessee.edu/forage-management-making-haylage/

Written by

Boussad Belkheir