The supply of nutrients from harvested forages in Southern Africa is seasonal due to low temperatures or limited rainfall thus the preservation of harvested forages such as silage and haylage becomes essential for efficient beef and dairy production. To achieve satisfactory preservation of hay or silage, both respiration and proteolysis by plant enzymes and nutrient degradation by microbes must be minimized during the harvest, storage and feedout periods.
Bitek’s hay preservative is specially formulated to be effective on all types of baled hay. The use of Bale 30 allows for earlier baling, resulting in a 30% higher moisture content as well as a 50% reduction in drying time. A lower leaf loss will lead to improved quality since 70% of the nutrients and 90% of the vitamins are contained in the leaf. Bale 30 further preserves this increased feed quality by controlling both mould and bacterial growth. A longer use period is therefore allowed without the subsequent nutrient loss. Lastly Bale 30 prevents spontaneous combustion, reducing the risk of loss through fire.
