Irish grain most versatile feed to grow or buy
Silage quality is going to be very poor on most farms, so higher levels of concentrates will be required to achieve required performance targets.
Native Irish grain is the most versatile high energy feed that farmers can grow or buy. Traditionally, grain was dried or stored on air at moistures of 18% or lower.
New technologies regarding additive type, processing methods and storage options have left native grain as the most cost-competitive concentrate feed source available for all classes of livestock.
Dairy and beef farmers that store their own grain or purchase grain in whatever form from neighbouring cereal farmers can make significant savings (€50/€60/tonne) in their winter concentrate costs.
Greater cooperation between farmers through farm to farm trading has seen significantly higher amounts of grain traded, particularly at harvest time. The opportunity for the livestock farmer to secure their winter energy supply at a lower cost from the cereal farmer has great merit.
The grain price projections for this harvest are significantly higher than over recent years, and when you add to this the high cost of fuel for the traditional drying, storage and rolling, the livestock farmer is forced to look at the more cost effective options. All imported alternative energy and protein feed sources are significantly higher cost than last year, which will result in much higher concentrate costs this coming feeding season.
Various treatment and storage options are available to the producer and end user this harvest. Every process has its merits. The process you choose should be based on your animal’s requirements in relation to grain volume to be fed, protein requirement, other feeds and required performance.
Newer processes such as urea-based preservatives have been gaining in popularity because they increase the final protein content of the grain by 4% to 5%. Urea-based preservation also increases the pH of the grain which significantly enhances the animal’s finished diet.
Caution is urged when purchasing crimp grain. Moisture contents can easily exceed the recommended 30%, and this should be discounted for the extra water/moisture when agreeing on a purchase price. Using an appropriate additive to suit the particular moisture content of the grain is advised.
Acid treatment, while popular, does not enhance the feed value of the grain, and in some situations where the main forage is wet, such as low pH grain silage, digestive upsets may occur when using high levels of the treated grain.
The following is a summary of the most popular processes used for treatment and storage of grain on Irish farms.
MOIST GRAIN 28%-35%
Moisture crimped grain (wheat, barley, triticale, maize and oats)
* Harvest window is narrow during good weather conditions.
* Grain moisture 25% to 35% — extra care needed below 30% moisture
* Grain crimped and additive applied — use a proven additive which aids fermentation and reduces secondary fermentation at the pit face.
* Prompt ensiling, proper rolling, compacting and covering/sealing are essential.
* Create a narrow pit face; proper pit face management is critical.
* When the fermented crop stabilises at pH 4 to 4.5, it is ready for feeding.
* Can’t be included dry in meal mixes, due to its high moisture content.
* Highly susceptible to attack from birds and vermin.
* Storage losses can be to 2% to 3%.
* Storage Period: four to six months.
* Feed Rates: Dairy up to 4kg, beef up to 8kg.
MOIST/ SEMI MATURE GRAIN 20%-28% MOISTURE
Caustic soda treated grain / sodagrain (best for barley and wheat)
* Harvest window — broad, due to flexibility in moisture treatment range .
* Grain moisture is 20% to 28% (can also be treated from dry grain).
* Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is mixed with the grain using a diet wagon.
* Caustic soda rates are 3% for wheat (30kg/tonne); 5% for barley (50kg/tonne).
* Thorough mixing of grain, water and caustic soda is required.
* Treated grain is alkaline (pH 9+), reducing the risk of acidosis.
* Less likely to be attacked by birds or vermin due to alkaline nature.
* Minimal storage loss.
* Storage period is up to six months.
* Feed rates: dairy up to 5kg, beef up to 4 kg (slow breakdown).
MATURE GRAIN 17%-25% MOISTURE
Urea Based Additives (wheat, barley, maize, triticale and oats)
* Harvest window is two to three weeks (during the normal harvest).
* Grain moisture is 16% to 25%.
* Additive increases the protein content of grain by 4% and preserves, for a single cost.
* Grain cracked and appropriate amount of additive applied.
* Grain is covered and sealed using silage polythene to prevent ammonia loss.
* Can also be stored outdoors, once moisture is excluded.
* Depending on additive used, you can feed the treated grain after two to six weeks.
* Can be included in meal mixes, due to its stability in storage.
* Alkaline pH (8 to 9.5) provides a buffer to improve rumen function.
* Less likely to be attacked by birds or vermin, due to alkaline nature.
* Minimal storage loss.
* Storage period is up to 12 months (longer term storage option, compared to crimped).
* Feed Rates: dairy up to 6kg; beef, can be fed ad-lib.
ACID TREATMENT (WHEAT & BARLEY)
* Treat grain using organic acids (such as propionic acid, etc) at moistures ranging from 17% to 25%.
* Application rates vary according to grain moisture content and product used.
* Acids may have a negative effect on grain protein utilisation.
* May not complement diets high in acidic silages.
* Ensure even and adequate application rates.
* Acid is applied to whole or rolled grains prior to storage.
* Monitor grain temperature, and ventilate if necessary, if storing long term.
* Storage Period: up to six months.
* Can’t be included in meal mixes at the higher end of moisture range.
* Feed Rates: dairy up to 4 kg, beef 6kg (depending on pH of silage).
Dry grain 14%-17% moisture (wheat, barley, triticale and oats)
* It is necessary to lower the grain moisture to between 14 and 17% to prevent heating during storage.
* Diesel costs will make drying expensive in 2012.
* May be necessary to aerate during storage.
* Can be more difficult to roll, when dry.
* Too fine particle size may induce acidosis in livestock.
* Caution needed when rolling, due to grain dust.
* Addition of water to reduce dust may cause the grain to heat.
* Storage weight loss can be high, at 3 to 4%, due to moisture loss.
* Once rolled, must be fed within four weeks, ideally.
* Can be included in meal mixes.
* Feed rates: wheat, dairy up to 3kg, beef 4kg; barley, dairy up to 4 kg, beef 6kg.
* Storage period up to nine months.
* Must be stored in dry clean conditions (mites and weevils must be controlled).
With all grain processing options, seek expert advice when considering which one is best for you and your livestock this winter. Get advice on feed value, ease of storage, operator safety and reliability of the process.
