Silage for winter feeding

[outlander]

I have read through the older silage thread, done a ton of research, and have determined that this is something I can accomplish before winter sets in. I would like to hear from others who have tried this method how effective you found it to be.

My flock is small, have 40 acres at their disposal (they rarely forage farther than 2), and only eat purchased (fermented) food at night when they are secured in the coop....and not really much of it. Obviously they are getting the bulk of their nutrition in forage.

For the experienced silage feeders:

Did your flock remain in good condition?
Did you supplement with mealworms or other protein sources?
How did it affect laying and/or condition of eggs?

Any other tips or suggestions appreciated, thank you!!

 

[cajun1]

I have read through the older silage thread, done a ton of research, and have determined that this is something I can accomplish before winter sets in. I would like to hear from others who have tried this method how effective you found it to be.

My flock is small, have 40 acres at their disposal (they rarely forage farther than 2), and only eat purchased (fermented) food at night when they are secured in the coop....and not really much of it. Obviously they are getting the bulk of their nutrition in forage.

For the experienced silage feeders:

Did your flock remain in good condition?
Did you supplement with mealworms or other protein sources?
How did it affect laying and/or condition of eggs?

Any other tips or suggestions appreciated, thank you!!

Good post. I'll be following this. With all the daries around me, silage is easy to get and plentiful. Silage for winter never dawned on me ... Thanks.

 

[Arielle]

I remember learning about silage long ago, for dairy cattle. Lots of bunk silos around these days instead of the upright silos.

Making silage is an art and a science IMO, and if you can tap into a mentor that will teach you go for it. Dairymen are busy; but many will share. Or work thru 4H leaders.

I recently have been investigating silage too. Can you post the old silage thread please.

 

[outlander]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/516459/making-your-winter-feed-now-silage

Mostly discussion, not a whole lot of practical application. I'm hoping to hear from folks who have actually done it and what their results were

 

[Arielle]

Thanks-- will look it over, thought it would have the how to. YOu might google for silage for cattle . I only remember the basics. Cut corn stalks or grasses when at a specific stage of matureity and driness. Chop, dummp into silos. cover, and control moistrure levels. Eventually it starts to cook. THen it goes thru a cool down and the acid making bacteria halt any further production of acedic aced, etc. ( This is a 30 year old memory!!! From a class, no practical experience.)

 

[outlander]

Thanks, Arielle. I've got my method down (small bag), my storage facility ready, and the time to do it. Just waiting for the weather to cooperate.

I'm less interested in the "how-to" and most interested in how I can expect my flock to be faring mid-winter, hopefully from fellow BYC'ers who have experience silage feeding through the lean forage months.

 

[Arielle]

ONe aspect I like about the fermented feeds is that it reintroduces the good bacteria back into the gut. SOmetime ago, the commercial feed producers forgot that it is really all these microbes that nourish the body. We let me rephraze: dairy and ruminants got it, but the effects for the monogastics was over looked for too many years.

I have some corninsh cross, and I saw them dive into the FF mash day after day ( a little slow to start eating it initially, finially took away other feed and gave them no choice and now they prefer the mash when given a choice.) I expect the intro period to be a bit shaky as they aquire a taste for it and I would think about the particle size as chickens seem to prefer smaller particles than something as big as a marble. Chopped fine perhaps??

Makes me wonder if they would like leftover sauerkraut??

 

[outlander]

Well, as soon as I get the ignition switch on my mower fixed (hopefully today) , and the ground isn't too soggy, I'll cut an acre short and ensile the clippings.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

The objective of silage fermentation is to convert fiber into Volatile Fatty Acids for use a nutrient by cattle and sheep. Monogastrics such as chickens don't have the mechanisms to utilize VFAs in the upper GI tract and only absorb a portion in the large intestines. In my opinion you will get little benefit from feeding a silage to chickens compared to the effort to produce it.

 

[outlander]

Yes, I had run across that bit of knowledge in my research. At this point, I only have monogastrics on my farm. However, my goal is to utilize all the resources my land has to offer and significantly reduce or eliminate outside sources...a pipe dream, I know...but I have the time and means to pursue it. If I find that my flock is not keeping good condition on silage (and possibly mealworms), then I will convert back to their current regimen.

Also, by the time I do acquire ruminants I will have had some practice and experience with the ensiling process.