On average this year, grass silage is much higher in dry matter and protein and slightly lower in fibre, according to latest results from SRUC.

This means intake potential is up to 15% more than last year.

However, with the higher dry matter there will be an increased risk of moulds and mycotoxins, due to the higher pH and silage being less stable.

Moulds which commonly grow on grass silage and other wet feed stuffs can often produce mycotoxins, which can be detrimental to health as well as performance. Conserved forages with a pH of four or less are considered fairly stable and tend not to encourage the growth of mycotoxin-producing moulds. Looking at the average dairy grass silage so far in 2018, the pH is 4.4, up from 4.1 in 2017, highlighting a potential risk of mycotoxins being present in higher levels this winter. When it comes to mitigating against these toxins, good clamp management is essential.

The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) recommends moving across the clamp face in no more than two to three days, also keeping it as clean as possible with a shear grab or block cutter has a big part to play.