Oxygen barrier silage film boosts the profitability of the farm. This statement is not overclaiming since the feed quality is the main factor. For the farmers who place ensilage as the main feed, maintaining the dry matter supply is a must. In maintaining livestock health, the nutrient contents are obligatory and the key to successful management. Every nutrient loss is counted as a financial loss.
The main rival of it is oxygen. The existence of oxygen, which is beneficial for animals and humans, in fact, triggers the aerobic purification. When oxygen rushes into the ensilage, the fermentation process is interrupted. The unwanted microorganisms start to multiply, causing high temperatures, which initiate the growth of mold. The important substances like water and nutrition are also gone. About 20% nutritional value will be wasted if this continues.
This wrap function is one of the solutions. However, relying on this wrap without considering the three pillars in using it will be nothing. The three pillars are choosing the wrap with the low oxygen transmission rate, proper application with no misbehavior, and effective packing technique. These three are crucial for you to get the guide here.
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The First Pillar: Understanding the Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)
This is the prominent matrix that differentiates the ordinary wrap from the anti-air wrap.
What is It and How Does It Work?
Oxygen transmission rate (or OTR) is the rate at which oxygen molecules pass through one square meter of film in 24 hours. The thick traditional wrap possesses high OTR. The oxygen molecule diffuses through the polymer structure. This oxygen uses all the sugar that was actually used to produce lactate acid (the important acid for preservation).
Film Standar Vs. OBF
The anti-air wrap is designed with a sophisticated multilayer structure, which includes a particular polymer like EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol). The EVOH layer works as a molecular shield with high density. Compared to ordinary polyethylene, oxygen barrier silage film achieves an OTR about 20-50 times lower.
This low number creates a critical zone under the ordinary one. The residual air that’s trapped in the wrapping process is soon to be consumed by microorganisms. Almost no air could penetrate the feed bale, and the anaerobic stage can be achieved so much faster. The fermentation process can be initiated faster and more efficiently. It minimizes the damage or the loss in the surface layer.
When purchasing the wrap, the farmer should verify the OTR number claimed by the manufacturer. Focusing only on the thickness doesn’t guarantee the low OTR. A thick wrap could have high OTR. The farmers should be more aware of this because it is more critical for the performance and becomes an accurate indicator of the quality.
The Second Pillar: Proper Execution with No Misbehavior
Even the world’s best anti-air wrap will not work well if the application is not proper. The perfect application is aimed at driving away the air that is stuck between the content and the wrap. This will make sure the air-tight seal around the pile. Follow the steps below.
- Pre-application preparation: Before opening the roll, every single thing has to be moved from the area. Make sure a sharp object is far from the execution place.
- Great sealing and layering: The sealing has to be done right away after the wrapping. Make sure the wrap has maximum contact with the content so it gives the proper pressure. The multilayering and the seal have to be strong, for the bale will be stored for a long time. Use a sack filled with sand to seal the wall. This helps to prevent air penetration.
- Damage control and maintenance: The oxygen barrier silage film is strong to air, but sometimes sensitive to physical damage. Avoid stepping on it to prevent tears and wrinkles. When there is damage, maintain it right away, especially in the critical fermentation period (the first 7-14 days).
The Third Pillar: Integration with Modern Baling Technique
The air-resistant wrap can work best when it is combined with high ensilage density. Both have different rules, but work simultaneously in eliminating air.
- Synergy of density with barrier: the effective baling is to remove macro air pockets. The bad baling makes the wrap work too hard and ends up with failure.
- Baling and wrapping strategy: use the proper machine, and make sure the laid-out wrapping film is not too thick. The wrapping has to be done continuously and reach the density target.
- Two-step cover system: the first cover that has direct contact with the content is the anti-air wrap. After that, cover it with the conventional wrap as double protection, as we know that the OBF is fragile.
- Weight: after all is done, weight is needed for good compression. With the proper weight on the bales, the integrity will be well maintained.
In the end, the quality of the feed is not just made by itself, not intentionally and not magical. It is the accumulation of good material, smart application and good strategy. Without it, oxygen barrier silage film will be just a kind of wrap.
