Feeding good quality silage is essential for cattle to reach production targets - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2019
Question b
Feeding good quality silage is essential for cattle to reach production targets.
(i) List four stages in making good quality pit silage.
(ii) Explain the importanc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Feeding good quality silage is essential for cattle to reach production targets - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question b - 2019
Step 1
List four stages in making good quality pit silage.
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Answer
Close off field for at least six weeks
Fertilize (or spread slurry)
Cut at correct growth stage
Allow grass to wilt
Use a precision or double-chop harvester
Roll the pit/seal pit
Step 2
Explain the importance of any two of the steps mentioned.
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Answer
Close off field for at least six weeks: This step is crucial as it gives time for the grass to grow, ensuring better yield and quality.
Cut at the correct growth stage: Cutting at the right time (when DMD is higher and grass is less stemmy) maximizes the nutritional value of the silage.
Step 3
Explain what is meant by the DMD of silage.
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DMD stands for Dry Matter Digestibility, which refers to the percentage of dry matter that can be digested by cattle. It is an important measure of the nutritional quality of silage.
Step 4
State the DMD of good quality silage.
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Answer
The DMD of good quality silage is 70% or greater.
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