corn silage for oxen

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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • December 26, 2008 at 10:34 pm #40007
    bugman
    Participant

    Does anyone have suggestions on how to store small amounts of corn silage for two oxen. Thinking of about 3/4 ac of corn.

    December 26, 2008 at 10:43 pm #48729
    Rod
    Participant

    I have made grass silage by packing fresh chopped wet forage under a 6 mil poly cover. I used sand to seal the edges and vacuumed the air out. No tires were needed to keep the cover tight and the silage quality was excellent, cows loved it.

    You can also bale it and wrap in plastic or seal in Bale Bonnet bags. Works the same way. Of Course the corn has to be chopped to small pieces to get the air out and allow it to be packed. I assume it would work with corn the same as with the wet hay.

    December 26, 2008 at 10:50 pm #48733
    bugman
    Participant

    Thanks Rod, I have enough pasture during the summer but its the winter food
    that gets alittle pricey. Just trying to find some alternatives.

    December 27, 2008 at 2:05 am #48730
    Howie
    Participant

    I think I would get out my corn knife and simply shock that amount of corn.
    I believe you would get more feed for the buck.

    December 27, 2008 at 3:29 am #48732
    Joshua Kingsley
    Participant

    I would think that you could use a chipper shredder and some good quality contractors bags. A alternitve would be if you have a garden tractor or 4 wheeler you could pack a pile that is twice the width of your machine in a small pile just keep it narrow and long versus short and fat. When feeding siliage you need to keep the face of the pile cleaned daily to reduce spoilage. 2X’s would make good walls for a small bunk.

    December 27, 2008 at 5:32 am #48731
    dominiquer60
    Moderator

    I know a guy that just did silage in a pile for his first 2 milking guernseys. He piled a little heap packed it down with the tractor and covered tight with the good plastic. He has a hillside bunk now that he milks 16, has young stock and a dozen belted beef animals. Start simple and see what works for you.

    Erika

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