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The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 systems for covering corn silage in bunker silos. The first system consisted of a sheet of 45-μm-thick oxygen barrier film (OB, polyethylene + ethylene-vinyl alcohol) placed along the length of the sidewall before filling. After filling, the excess film was pulled over the wall on top of the silage, and a sheet of polyethylene was placed on top. The second system involved using a standard sheet (ST) of 180-μm-thick polyethylene film. Eight commercial bunker silos were divided into 2 parts lengthwise so that one-half of the silo was covered with OB and the other half with a ST system. During the filling, 3 net bags with chopped corn were buried in the central part (halfway between the top and bottom of the silo) of the bunkers (CCOR) in 3 sections 10 m apart. After filling, 18 net bags (9 per covering system) were buried 40 cm below the top surface of the 3 sections. These bags were placed at 3 distances from the bunker walls (0 to 50 cm, 51 to 100 cm, and 101 to 150 cm). During unloading, the bags were removed from the silos to determine the dry matter (DM) losses, fermentation end products, and nutritive value. The Milk2006 spreadsheet was used to estimate milk per tonne of DM. The model included the fixed effect of treatment (7 different locations in the bunker) and the random effect of the silo. Two contrasts were tested to compare silages in the top laterals (shoulders) with that in the CCOR (CCOR vs. OB and CCOR vs. ST). Three contrasts compared the corresponding distances of the silage covered by the 2 systems (OB50 vs. ST50, OB100 vs. ST100 and OB150 vs. ST150). Variables were analyzed with the PROC MIXED procedure of the SAS at the 5% level. The OB method produced well-fermented silages, which were similar to CCOR, whereas the OB system showed less lactic acid and greater pH and mold counts compared with CCOR. The ST method had 116.2 kg of milk/t less than the CCOR, as the OB system and the CCOR were similar (1,258.3 and 1,294.0 kg/t, respectively). Regarding the distances from the walls, the effects were more pronounced from 0 to 101 cm. The OB50 and OB100 silages had better quality and lower mold counts and DM losses than ST50 and ST100. The OB system reduced DM and nutrient losses at the shoulders in farm bunker corn silages compared with no sidewall plastic. The OB film should lap onto the crop for at least 200 cm so that 150 cm are covered outward from the wall.
). Furthermore, silage spoilage can risk the safety of operators on the farm and causes problems for consumers because of the potential transfer of microorganisms and mycotoxins from silage to milk (
Effects of 3 sequestering agents on milk aflatoxin M1 concentration and the performance and immune status of dairy cows fed diets artificially contaminated with aflatoxin B1.
Reducing losses during storage and unloading of silage.
in: Pahlow G. Honig H. Silage Conservation Towards 2000, Braunschweig, Germany. Institute of Grassland and Forage Research and Federal Research Center of Agriculture,
Braunschweig-Volkenrode, Braunschweig, Germany1991
Software applications for sizing silos to maximize silage quality.
in: Zopollatto M. Muraro G.B. Nussio L.G. International Symposium on Forage Quality and Conservation, Piracicaba, Brazil. Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz,
Piracicaba, Brazil2009
Aerobic deterioration influences the fermentative, microbiological and nutritional quality of maize and sorghum silages on farm in high quality milk and cheese production chains.
). Thus, avoiding or reducing spoilage at the shoulders of corn silages when they are stored in bunker silos becomes a key factor for commercial farms.
The management necessary to prevent aerobic deterioration in bunkers requires proper chop length, rapid filling, good packing, coverage with plastic, and a proper feed-out rate (
). The first one is a white-on-black sheet (130-μm-thick), which is composed by a layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) between layers of PE (known as a 1-step system). A study demonstrated that corn silage quality in the upper part was improved when this plastic film was used to cover bunker silos (
Improving corn silage quality in the top layer of farm bunker silos through the use of a next-generation barrier film with high impermeability to oxygen.
). The second OB film is a thin sheet (45-µm-thick PE + EVOH), which needs to be covered by a tarp or a second layer of PE during its application in practical conditions (2-step system). This procedure is necessary because it is not UV stabilized. Originally, the thin OB film was associated with a protective tarpaulin. However, tarpaulin cover is expensive for some producers, especially those with modest resource availability. Thus, to overcome this problem, a method that combines the thin OB film with a conventional PE sheet has been created for covering stack silos (
Aerobic deterioration in corn silage covered with oxygen barrier film in stack silos.
in: Proc. 15th Int. Silage. Conf., Madison. U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service and University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences,
2009: 215-216
) and the shoulders present a high risk of losses, we hypothesized that an effective way of reducing shoulder (top lateral) spoilage is to line bunker walls with the thin OB film before filling, overlap it onto the forage, and finally cover the entire silo using a PE sheet. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effect of a 2-step system on the fermentation end products, spoilage microorganisms, and nutrient losses of corn silage in dairy farm bunker silos; (2) determine how much OB film needed to be purchased for lining walls and protecting the top lateral by examining the effects of the 2-step system in different distances from the wall.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental Design, Treatments, and Sampling
Eight commercial bunker corn silages were sampled during a 2-yr period, 4 in 2014 and 4 in 2015. Bunker silos belonged to dairy farms located in the south of Minas Gerais state, which is the largest milk producer in Brazil. The width of the bunkers ranged from 4.9 to 6.5 m, the height from 2.5 to 3.3 m, and the length from 39 to 55 m. The average storage period and daily feed-out rate were 134 d (98–166 d) and 0.91 m (0.68–1.13 m), respectively. Whole-crop corn silages were harvested with both pull-type and self-propelled forage harvesters to a 12 to 15 mm theoretical length of cut. All corn silages were inoculated with 3.2 × 105 cfu of Pediococcus acidilactic and Lactobacillus plantarum (Kera, Farroupilha, Brazil) per gram of fresh matter. This product is very common among dairies in this region and the company recommended the dose applied.
Two methods to seal bunker silos were evaluated, as illustrated in the Figure 1. The first method involved a sheet of 45-μm-thick OB film (PE + EVOH) positioned along the length of the sidewall before filling, with approximately 2 m of excess draped over the wall. After the silo was filled, the excess film was overlapped onto the forage, and a sheet of PE was placed on top of the OB film. The second method involved using a standard sheet (ST) of 180-μm-thick PE film. This sheet protected the entire top of the silo (i.e., the OB film on one side and the forage on the other). Gravel bags were placed close the walls and at the middle (lengthwise) of the silo to weigh down the plastic film.
Figure 1The 2 methods used to seal the bunker silos. (A) Bunker silos were longitudinally split into 2 parts to apply the 2 covering methods and transversally into 3 sections to bury the net bags. (B) A frontal view of the bunker showing the locations where the treatments were applied. Core = central core of the silo; OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 = 0 to 50, 51 to 100, and 101 to 150 cm from the bunker walls for oxygen barrier film (OB) on the walls and no wall film (ST), respectively. PE = polyethylene.
Bunker silos were longitudinally split into 2 parts to apply the 2 covering systems. At the time of filling the silo, 3 net bags containing 5.6 ± 0.41 kg each of fresh chopped corn were buried in the central part of the bunkers (CCOR) in 3 sections 10 m apart, and thus, the 2 ends were used as borders. As the central part of the silo is not affected or slightly affected by the negative effects of the oxygen (aerobic deterioration), CCOR represented a positive control. After filling, 18 net bags (9 per covering method) containing the same amount of chopped corn were buried 40 cm below the top surface (
. These polypropylene net bags were placed at the following distances from the bunker walls: 0 to 50 cm, 51 to 100 cm, and 101 to 150 cm (described as OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 for OB and ST methods, respectively). When the unloading procedure reached each section, silage density was measured by taking core samples (46 mm in diameter and 300 mm long) at the bunker face using a corer fitted to an electric drill (
) at 7 positions, 6 at the top (50 cm from the top at 25, 75, and 125 cm from the wall for both sides), and 1 sample was collected in the center (half way between the top and bottom of the silo). These positions were chosen to characterize the silage density profile in the zone where the 7 treatments were located. Afterward, the bags were removed from the silage mass and weighed to determine the DM losses. All silage of each bag was carefully homogenized to assess microbial counts, fermentation end products, and nutritive value.
Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Calculations
The pre-ensiled material and the silage were split into subsamples. One subsample was oven dried at 60°C for 72 h to determine DM content (DMoven), and air equilibrated, weighed, and ground in a Cyclotec mill (Tecator, Herndon, VA) to pass a 1-mm screen. Silage DM was corrected (DMcorr) for the loss of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), lactic acid, VFA, and ethanol during oven drying (
Metodi analitici per la valutazione della qualitá di conservazione degli insilati [Analytical methods to assess silage quality]. Centro di Studio per L'alimentazione degli Animali in Produzione Zootecnica del C.N.R. and Istituto per la Meccanizzazione Agricola del C.N.R.,
Torino, Italy1983
). All parameters are given on a DM basis and are expressed as grams per kilogram of corrected DM.
The dried, pre-ensiled, and silage samples were analyzed for total nitrogen (CP = total nitrogen × 6.25) by the Kjeldahl method and ash, according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (
). To determine the NDF content, the samples were treated with a heat stable α-amylase without sodium sulfite inclusion, and the results were corrected for residual ash (
. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and 48-h in vitro NDF digestibility were determined by using the DAISYII (Ankom Technology Corp., Fairport, NY) method (
). Rumen fluid was collected before feeding from 2 cannulated cows fed a diet that consisted of 80% corn silage and 20% concentrates. The Milk2006 spreadsheet (
) was used to estimate net energy for lactation at 3× maintenance (NEL-3x), total digestible nutrients at 1× maintenance (TDN-1x), and milk per tonne of DM. The book value for fat content (3.2% DM) was used. The pre-ensiled material was also analyzed for water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) by using the phenol-sulfuric acid assay in water extracts and glucose as the carbohydrate standard (
The second subsample was stored as a wet sample at –20°C. Wet samples were extracted with a Stomacher blender (model 400 circulator, Seward Inc., Bohemia, NY) by blending for 4 min with distilled water at a ratio of 9:1 (water to sample). The pH was measured with a pH meter (model HI 208, Splabor, São Paulo, Brazil), and an ion selective electrode (Orion Star A214 pH/ISE benchtop meter, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA) analyzed the NH3-N concentration. The fermentation end products (lactic, acetic, propionic and butyric acids, and ethanol) were analyzed by using HPLC. This apparatus (Shimadzu Corp., Tokyo, Japan) was equipped with a dual detection system that consisted of a UV detector (UV-Vis SPD–10Ai) and a refractive index detector (RID 10A). An ion exclusion column (Shim-pack SCR–101H; 7.9 mm × 300 mm) was operated at 50°C to separate the acids and at 30°C to separate the alcohols. The mobile phase consisted of a 100 mM perchloric acid solution (pH 2.2) with a flow rate of 0.6 mL·min−1. The acids were detected by UV absorbance (210 nm), and the alcohols were identified with a refractive index detector.
To obtain microbial counts, the subsamples were transferred into sterile homogenization bags before suspending in a peptone physiological salt solution and homogenizing for 4 min in a laboratory Stomacher blender. Subsequently, 10-fold dilutions were prepared to quantify the microbial groups. Yeasts and molds were counted by using the spread plate technique on YGC Agar (Fluka, Sigma Aldrich Química, Jurubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil). The plates were incubated at 28°C for 72 h.
The DM losses were calculated as the difference between the weight of DM placed in each bag at ensiling and the DM removed at the end of storage.
The test methods used to describe the physical properties of the plastics films were as follows: ASTM D2103–10 (
ASTM Standard method ASTM D2103–10. Standard specification for polyethylene film and sheeting. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM),
Philadelphia, PA2010
ASTM Standard method ASTM D3985–05. Standard test method for oxygen gas transmission rate through plastic film and sheeting using a colometric sensor. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM),
Philadelphia, PA2010
ASTM Standard method ASTM D5748–95. Standard test method for protrusion puncture resistance of stretch wrap film. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM),
Philadelphia, PA2012
ASTM Standard method ASTM D1922–15. Standard test method for propagation tear resistance of plastic film and thin sheeting by pendulum method. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM),
Philadelphia, PA2015
) for thickness, oxygen permeability, puncture resistance, and tear test, respectively.
Statistical Analyses
The counts of microorganisms were log-transformed before analysis and presented as log values. Microbial counts below the limit of detection of 102 cfu/g were set at the detection limit of log 2.0. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS (
). The model included the fixed effect of treatment (7 different locations in the bunker) and the random effect of silo. The value of each parameter measured was considered the average of the bags distributed in the 3 sections and thus a total of 8 replicates (silos). The same procedure was used to analyze the density profile. Two contrasts were tested to compare silages in the top laterals with that in the CCOR (CCOR vs. OB and CCOR vs. ST). Three contrasts compared the corresponding distances of the silage covered by the 2 systems (OB50 vs. ST50, OB100 vs. ST100, and OB150 vs. ST150). Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
Characteristics of the Plastic Films and Herbage at Ensiling
The physical characteristics of the plastic films (mean ± SD) are displayed in Table 1. The O2 permeability differed between the films at 23°C with values of 39 and 1,565 cm3/m2 per 24 h for the OB and PE, respectively. The OB film was slightly better in terms of puncture resistance and tearing resistance in the machine direction than PE film. Conversely, PE film had higher tearing resistance in cross direction compared with OB film.
Table 1Characteristics of the plastic films (mean ± SD of 8 samples) used in the study
The characteristics of the corn forage before ensiling are shown in Table 2. The DM and WSC concentrations of the whole-crop corn plants ranged from 35.3 to 40.0% and 6.2 to 7.5% of DM, respectively. The mean starch and NDF concentrations were 36.1 and 42.6% of DM, respectively. The numbers of yeasts and molds varied from 4.9 to 6.4 and 4.8 to 6.1 cfu/g of fresh matter, respectively.
Table 2Characteristics of the corn forage before ensiling (mean ± SD of 3 samples)
Density in bunker silos varied according to silage height. Silage in the center (665.5 ± 11.8 kg/m3) was denser compared with the laterals sealed by OB (572.2 ± 17.3 kg/m3; P = 0.0134) and ST systems (571.2 ± 14.4 kg/m3; P = 0.0097; SEM = 8.28).
The lateral of the bunkers covered by the OB method had silages with less lactic acid concentrations (P = 0.010) and greater yeast counts (P < 0.0001) than CCOR silages (Table 3). All other fermentative, microbiological, and nutritional parameters (Table 3, Table 4) were similar (P > 0.05) between the OB and CCOR silages.
Table 3Fermentation end products and spoilage microorganisms in corn silages as influenced by location in the bunker and sealing methods after 134 d (98–166 d) of conservation
DM(oven) = DM content determined after oven drying at 60°C for 72 h; DM(corr) = DM was corrected for the loss of ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid, VFA, and ethanol during drying.
CCOR = central core of the silo; OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 = 0 to 50, 51 to 100 and 101 to 150 cm from the bunker walls for oxygen barrier film (OB) on the walls and no wall film (ST), respectively.
SEM
Contrast, P-value
CCOR
OB50
OB100
OB150
ST50
ST100
ST150
CCOR vs. OB
CCOR vs. ST
OB50 vs. ST50
OB100 vs. ST100
OB150 vs. ST150
DM(oven), %
35.0
35.2
35.2
34.8
37.8
36.3
36.7
1.36
0.9810
0.0894
0.0571
0.4248
0.1577
DM(corr), %
35.7
36.0
35.9
35.8
38.9
38.4
38.8
1.26
0.8636
0.0293
0.0263
0.2669
0.1214
pH
3.77
3.94
3.86
3.88
4.41
4.36
4.23
0.12
0.2959
0.0001
0.002
0.013
0.0016
NH3-N, % of total N
5.6
5.4
5.4
5.2
6.2
6.3
6.4
0.93
0.2222
0.1000
0.1070
0.0925
0.1018
Lactate, % of DM
7.8
6.9
6.0
6.1
4.6
5.5
5.5
0.76
0.0105
<0.0001
0.0030
0.5454
0.0399
Acetate, % of DM
0.95
0.85
0.74
1.18
0.63
0.63
0.64
0.22
0.7920
0.2394
0.4382
0.6862
0.0601
Propionate, % of DM
0.65
0.42
0.37
0.49
0.47
0.46
0.42
0.20
0.1388
0.1768
0.7966
0.6203
0.8892
Butyrate, % of DM
0.07
0.18
0.19
0.08
0.43
0.36
0.22
0.18
0.3089
0.0422
0.3736
0.4057
0.3934
Ethanol, % of DM
0.27
0.34
0.66
0.61
0.89
0.69
0.84
0.21
0.2091
0.0193
0.0443
0.8970
0.0637
Yeasts, cfu/g
<2.00
4.72
3.92
3.94
6.42
5.11
4.75
0.94
<0.0001
<0.0001
0.0172
0.0812
0.2375
Molds, cfu/g
<2.00
<2.00
<2.00
<2.00
2.61
2.44
2.18
0.53
0.7385
0.0057
0.009
0.0216
0.2419
1 DM(oven) = DM content determined after oven drying at 60°C for 72 h; DM(corr) = DM was corrected for the loss of ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid, VFA, and ethanol during drying.
2 CCOR = central core of the silo; OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 = 0 to 50, 51 to 100 and 101 to 150 cm from the bunker walls for oxygen barrier film (OB) on the walls and no wall film (ST), respectively.
Table 4Nutritive value and DM losses in corn silages as influenced by location in the bunker and sealing methods after 134 d (98–166 d) of conservation
CCOR = central core of the silo; OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 = 0 to 50, 51 to 100 and 101 to 150 cm from the bunker walls for oxygen barrier film (OB) on the walls and no wall film (ST), respectively.
1 CCOR = central core of the silo; OB50, OB100, and OB150 and ST50, ST100, and ST150 = 0 to 50, 51 to 100 and 101 to 150 cm from the bunker walls for oxygen barrier film (OB) on the walls and no wall film (ST), respectively.
Regarding fermentation end products and microbial counts between the ST system and CCOR silages (Table 3), the ST had lower lactic acid concentrations (P < 0.0001) and greater DMcorr, ethanol, and butyrate concentrations (P = 0.029, 0.019, and 0.042, respectively), pH values (P = 0.0001), and yeast and mold populations (P = 0.0001 and 0.005, respectively). With respect to the nutritive value, ash, CP, and NDF concentrations were greater in ST than in CCOR silages (P = 0.002, 0.002, and 0.0001, respectively). The top lateral sealed by the ST system also had less starch (P = 0.003) and lower IVDMD, TDN-1x, NEL-3x, and predicted milk compared with the silages in the center. The DM losses were numerically greater in ST (9.48%) than in CCOR silages (5.14%); however, no differences were observed (P = 0.063).
Corresponding Distances from the Wall in the Top Laterals
Density was nonsignificant (P > 0.05) between the 2 sealing methods: the average densities were 560.7, 569.8, and 586.0 kg/m3 for the OB system and 564.9, 560.2, and 588.5 for the ST method for the 3 different distances from the walls of 25, 75, and 125 cm, respectively.
Silages closest to the walls were more affected by sealing methods. Silages located at OB50 showed a better fermentation profile and lower spoilage microorganism populations than ST50 silages. The pH values, DMcorr, lactic acid, and ethanol concentrations showed differences (P < 0.05) between these 2 locations. In terms of nutritive value, OB50 had lower CP (P = 0.004) and greater starch (P = 0.045) concentrations than ST50. Dry matter digestibility, NDF digestibility, TDN-1x, NEL-3x, and predicted milk were greater in OB50 compared with ST50.
Regarding intermediate position (OB100 vs. ST100), silages covered by OB showed lower pH and mold counts (P = 0.013 and 0.021, respectively). These silages also had lower DM losses (P = 0.007) and greater IVDMD (P = 0.045).
The majority of parameters were similar for the silages farthest from the walls. The pH values and CP concentrations were different between OB150 and ST150 treatments.
DISCUSSION
The effectiveness of the OB system can be seen by the fermentation profile and nutritive value of the silages, which were similar with those in the center of the silo (positive control). Silages in the core and covered by the OB system differed in 2 parameters only (lactic acid and yeast counts). It could be explained by the density variation according to silage height because CCOR was denser (lower porosity) than top laterals. In fact, yeasts are the most important microorganisms implicated in the consumption of lactic acid in the presence of oxygen in silages (
). Conversely, silages in the top lateral under ST system had an increase of 8% on NDF concentration and a reduction of 15 and 9% on starch concentration and predicted milk, respectively, when compared with CCOR. During aerobic deterioration process, some species, such as bacilli and molds, can grow and are able to degrade starch and hemicelluloses (
). Indeed, mold populations were greater in silages covered by the ST method. Furthermore, the ST system showed greater concentrations of ethanol and butyrate. Ethanol has a strong correlation with ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate in corn silages (
Effects of air exposure, temperature and additives on fermentation characteristics, yeast count, aerobic stability and volatile organic compounds in corn silage.
). It demonstrates that aerobic spoilage caused by no wall plastic can affect environment, feed intake, and energy concentration. Energy is the primary nutrient contributed by corn silage to dairy cattle rations (
To determine how much OB plastic needed to be purchased for lining walls and protecting the top lateral, we evaluated the effects of the OB method at different distances from the wall. Silages located at OB50 showed a better fermentation profile, greater nutritive value, and lower spoilage microorganism populations than ST50. The DM losses were reduced by almost 50% with the application of the OB system at this position. In terms of losses, similar behavior was observed when OB100 and ST100 were compared (4.91 vs. 10.9%, respectively). A study evaluated plastic films with 4 different oxygen permeabilities (ranging from 75 to 982 cm3/m2 per 24 h) and showed a positive correlation with the DM losses (
). The OB100 also had lower pH and mold counts and greater IVDMD than ST100. Although only pH values showed significance between OB150 and ST150, numerically the OB150 silages had better quality (e.g., estimated milk was 5% lower in ST150 than OB150). In practical conditions, these slight enhancements may be important for the farmers. Because silage densities were similar between covering methods at the 3 positions, the improvements in silage quality previously discussed can be attributed to OB system. Thus, we recommend that after placing the plastic film on the wall, the producer should extend it an additional 200 cm so that an area of 150 cm outward from the wall is covered.
Bunker silos have been widely used as storage facilities on dairy farms because they offer large storage capacities at a relatively low cost (
), the importance of controlling top spoilage losses, especially at the top laterals, has been reported. In 1991, a German researcher in his review stated, “A problem still not fully solved is the connection of the cover to the bunker silos,” referring to DM losses at the shoulders (
Reducing losses during storage and unloading of silage.
in: Pahlow G. Honig H. Silage Conservation Towards 2000, Braunschweig, Germany. Institute of Grassland and Forage Research and Federal Research Center of Agriculture,
Braunschweig-Volkenrode, Braunschweig, Germany1991
measured the effects of a PE/polyamide sheet (the first generation of OB films) on the bunker wall associated with a tarp on 5 variables (DM, NDF, pH, lactate, and butyrate) and concluded it maintained a higher corn silage quality than no wall plastic. In a review of silage management,
evaluated bunkers silos with PE film or without sidewall plastic; however, the method they used to assess silage covering is not recommended because treatments should be compared in the same silo (
Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first research focused on reducing aerobic spoilage at the top lateral by the application of 2-step system in a large number of farm bunker silos. The technology proposed in this study explores the benefits of a new-generation OB film (
Improving corn silage quality in the top layer of farm bunker silos through the use of a next-generation barrier film with high impermeability to oxygen.
) and in a manner that producers can apply and associate it in farm conditions. The co-extrusion between EVOH and PE produces plastic films with high oxygen impermeability. It occurs because the low polarity of O2 and CO2 exhibit only weak interactions with the high polar groups in OB film. This weak interaction combined with the presence of crystalline regions reduces the permeability rates of the gases (
) and consequently the growth of spoilage microorganisms (yeasts and molds). Besides the oxygen barrier promoted by the film, securing it close to the forage is essential (
). Lining the inside of bunker walls before filling is an alternative to guarantee the connection between the plastic and the top lateral. Thus, the OB method fulfills the 2 essential functions of a covering system (i.e., high-quality plastic film and the tight contact with the crop). Although OB film has good puncture resistance and tear strength (Table 1), it should be protected from holes that can be caused by silo filling operations. Furthermore, in this method, a protective tarpaulin can be replaced by a PE layer to cover the thin film because a tarp has to be used for multiple years to be cost effective.
Because OB films are considered new technologies and have higher prices than PE films producers are more reluctant to purchase them. However, they need to instead examine the economic benefits ($/t ensiled) promoted by barrier films, as reported by
Improving corn silage quality in the top layer of farm bunker silos through the use of a next-generation barrier film with high impermeability to oxygen.
, to pay attention to prices. During times of economic pressure, such as those in recent years due to the high price of grain and corn forage, it is crucial that nutrients are preserved during silage storage as demonstrated by our findings when the OB method was used.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a thin OB film on the wall covered by PE sheet reduces DM and nutrient losses at the shoulders in farm bunker corn silages compared with no sidewall plastic. The OB film should be lapped onto the crop for at least 200 cm so that 150 cm are covered outward from the wall. This method produces silages with similar characteristics to those located in the central part of the silo because anaerobic conditions at the top are maintained due to the good properties of the plastic, and for holding it against the forage.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank all of the dairy farmers for their patience and collaboration in this research; Silostop (London, UK) for kindly supplying the OB plastic film and partially funding the research; the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq; Brasília, Brazil), and the Minas Gerais Research Foundation (FAPEMIG; Belo Horizonte, Brazil) for providing scholarships; and the members of NEFOR (Brazilian Forage Team) for their contributions during the field setup.
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Aerobic deterioration influences the fermentative, microbiological and nutritional quality of maize and sorghum silages on farm in high quality milk and cheese production chains.
Improving corn silage quality in the top layer of farm bunker silos through the use of a next-generation barrier film with high impermeability to oxygen.
Metodi analitici per la valutazione della qualitá di conservazione degli insilati [Analytical methods to assess silage quality]. Centro di Studio per L'alimentazione degli Animali in Produzione Zootecnica del C.N.R. and Istituto per la Meccanizzazione Agricola del C.N.R.,
Torino, Italy1983
Software applications for sizing silos to maximize silage quality.
in: Zopollatto M. Muraro G.B. Nussio L.G. International Symposium on Forage Quality and Conservation, Piracicaba, Brazil. Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz,
Piracicaba, Brazil2009
Reducing losses during storage and unloading of silage.
in: Pahlow G. Honig H. Silage Conservation Towards 2000, Braunschweig, Germany. Institute of Grassland and Forage Research and Federal Research Center of Agriculture,
Braunschweig-Volkenrode, Braunschweig, Germany1991
Effects of 3 sequestering agents on milk aflatoxin M1 concentration and the performance and immune status of dairy cows fed diets artificially contaminated with aflatoxin B1.
Effects of air exposure, temperature and additives on fermentation characteristics, yeast count, aerobic stability and volatile organic compounds in corn silage.
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