Using Crimp Grain to help offset rising feed costs

2022 can best be described as a landmark year in terms of rising input costs on farms.

Utilising home-grown nutrients in crimped grain

The early grass silage season was challenging for some, and with rising concentrate costs, it is worth considering crimping your cereal crops to help plug the energy gap for winter feeding.

First-cut grass silage is generally the base for supplying energy in most diets. However, early samples are showing quality lower than normal, and with concentrate prices high this year, making the most from locally grown feed will be important. High Moisture Crimp Grain (HMCG) is a versatile, rumen-friendly option that should be considered.

While up to now, urea-based grain treatments have been popular, they are expensive to use, and research has raised questions over the efficacy of such products. Urea acts as a preservative and increases the crude protein content of grain stored at 12-22% moisture.

In April 2021, the Farmers Weekly reported on independent research carried out by Dr Horst Auerbach, International Silage Consultancy, which showed that “40-70% of the nitrogen in urea is lost to the environment through the release of ammonia and its subsequent volatilisation, especially after unsheeting the clamp during feed-out.” Dr Auerbach further commented, “Agriculture is under extreme pressure to clean up its act, and ditching urea is an easy and substantial win for anyone who’s using the product for grain preservation”

Crimping grain effectively

With HMCG being harvested at higher moisture (25-40%), it can be combined earlier than most cereals, making it versatile and economical. Treating with MAGNIVA Platinum Crimp is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option that produces a rumen-friendly fermented starch feed.

This process maximises the nutrient value and digestibility of the cereal grain and can reduce the requirement for bought-in feed. In addition, at the higher moisture level, the crop is harvested approximately three weeks earlier than traditional combined cereals. This gives an excellent opportunity to establish a follow-on crop and maximise farmland production.

MAGNIVA Platinum Crimp contains the specially selected bacteria strains L. hilgardii CNCM I-4785 and L. buchneri NCIMB 40788 to give increased aerobic stability on opening, minimise dry matter losses and reduce contamination with yeasts and moulds, resulting in a powerful, palatable, and economical feed.

Contact Specialist Nutrition for expert nutritional advice or to learn more about the benefits of locally grown cereals and how they can be utilised on your farm.

Specialist Nutrition | Moist Feed and Forage Specialists

Call 051 833071 or contact Nigel 087 093 8170