International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
2021, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part B
Improved silage manufacturing technique
Rakotomanana OR, Razafinarivo TD, Rapatsalahy S, Michelle LM, Rasoanomenjanahary A, and Rafarasoa LS
In the rainy season, abundant, high-quality forage decreases in quantity and quality in the dry season. Silage production is necessary. Silos in large farms are expensive, micro-silos are envisaged for small farmers. The confection begins with a micro-silo in a fragile transparent plastic bag and small drums replaced by a resistant opaque bag and large barrel after in a welded tarpaulin. Green and ensiled plant materials are analyzed bromatologically and organoleptically. Tests on animals fed silage with silos in tarpaulin are methods. The plants used are Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 194 and Zea mays in early and late stages, Brachiaria brizantha, and Pennisetum giganteum tardif. Eight cows are tested with Zea mays ensilated in large tarpaulins and twelve lambs with Pennisetum compared to Zea mays ensilated in small tarpaulins. Stylosanthes, a legume rich in nitrogen, young silage has a loss of nitrogen. Harvested late, silage improves this content. The protein content of Zea mays ensiled increases and is significantly higher than that of Pennisetum. The organoleptic quality of silages from the first micro-silos does not fully satisfy good manufacturing practices. The technical aspects are oriented to the evolution of ensilassion. Cows fed silage in Zea mays tarpaulin have a high weight gain compared to controls. This of the sheep fed Pennisetum is lower than those fed Zea mays. Pennisetum presents an advantage by its high biomass. The silage manufacturing technique improves by satisfying good practices.