WIFFR Silage Trial 2021.5
Aerbic stability of TMR treated with chemical additives - part 2.
Trial no.: 2021.05-3-38GC
Authors: Fredrik Eide & Madeleine Eide
Time: July 2021
Publication date: 2nd of September 2021
Communication: info@wiffr.org
Abstract
During hot summerdays, the ratio given to the animals takes heat quickly. If the silage isn't treated with conserving additives, the heating may well happen after a few hours. The aim of the trial was to test a completely new TMR additive while comparing with an acid-based TMR product which is one of the most commonly used additives for TMR's in Sweden.
The TMR was based on well fermented grass and corn silage, so the pH value was very low at start (4,1).
After 21 hours, the untreated TMR heated, while the acid-based TMR lasted 37 hourss. The chemical based additive (Thorsil) lasted as long as 5 days when the trial was stopped. Thorsil-TMR didn't show any signs of degradation. Weight losses were 12,3 % for untreated, 6,2 % for acid treated and only 1,6 % for Thorsil-TMR after 5 days. Final pH were 7,4; 5,1 and 4,2 resp.
Results
Even for Total Mixed Ratio's with a low pH, there is a need for a stabilizing additive during higher temperaturs dururing warmer summer days. The chemical based TMR-additive (Thorsil-TMR) showed better performance compared to a common acid based TMR. Untreated TMR heated quickly and showed clear signs of fast degradation.