A new development in biological silage treatment

From  Optimize to  Optimize Plus...

Optimize original was developed 10 years ago when acidosis, caused by low pH silage, was a problem when ensiling  early-cut, high nutrient grass and forage crops.  Controlling lactic acid levels is the key to maximising intakes of early cut silage.  Containing no lacto-bacillus strains, this formula came top in the Kingshay silage stability trials 2006/7.  Optimize original produces very palatable silage, cutting waste and maximising milk from forage.  Less wastage of protein from the conservation process is achieved because the specific Optimize bacillus capture volatile N fractions (nitrates, ammonia & urea).  This gives the cow a microbial protein source which is ideal for a healthy rumen metabolism to sustain higher milk yields from the forage portion of her diet.

Optimize Plus:  Increase Silage ME by up to 1Mj/kg

Optimize Plus contains the same highly effective bacillus as Optimize original but a new unique enzyme has been added.  Energy is the most common limiting factor determining   performance and health of dairy cows.  The specific enzyme can consistently increase ME levels by 0.5-1 mj/kg.  Depending on herd size, the value of this can be £24,000 and more over a winter season. The enzyme releases and separates the bound fibre from otherwise indigestible fibrous material which increases digestibility, gives more energy from fibre and increases throughput of nutrients into the intestine from the rumen.  The silage still maintains its original structure although with young high quality first cut grass a 2 inch chop length is recommended.

Due to the extra digestibility, intakes are increased which leaves cows content.  Concentrate usage can be reduced when high intakes of silage are achieved.  A 60 : 40 silage to concentrate ratio is normal with correct feeding of Optimize Plus silage.  Rationing becomes easier because the rumen size remains large giving the cows a healthy appetite for all the TMR.  Offering extra energy from the silage fraction of the diet means condition stays on high yielding cows, which assists milk quality, fertility, herd health and longevity. One user of Optimzie Plus said he expected a minimum of 4,500 litres from silage a significant proportion of this being produced by late lactation cows.  High intake silage produces more consistent lactations and body condition.