Blog: Boost Spring Crop Yields and Cut Protein Supplement Costs with Passion Ag Oxygen Barriers.
By Felipe X. Amaro, PAS, Ph.D.
Global Technical Support and R&D, Passion Ag
The spring crops silage harvest season is just around the corner, and, like all silage crops, these valuable feeds require protection from oxygen to optimize fermentation. This is especially important for high-quality, protein-rich forages such as haylage. By preventing oxygen infiltration, oxygen barrier films help preserve the silage's protein content, reducing the need for additional protein supplements in livestock diets.When alfalfa haylage is exposed to oxygen during storage, aerobic microorganisms such as yeasts and molds proliferate, leading to significant nutrient losses. This primarily results in the breakdown of sugars and proteins, reducing the silage's protein concentration and energy value. Passion Yellow, the oxygen barrier included in Passion Combo, effectively minimizes yeast and mold growth in silage (Figure 1) by preventing air infiltration into the drive-over pile or bunker, thus preserving the quality and yield of your crops.
Figure 1. Passion Yellow significantly reduced yeast counts and totally prevented the growth of molds in sorghum silages.
Losses of dry matter and protein due to aerobic deterioration in alfalfa silage can reach up to 116 tons in a 1,200-ton silo. Additionally, these losses translate to 19 tons of protein loss which increases the need to purchase protein supplements such as soybean meal or canola meal up to more than 2 truckloads (Figure 2a). Protein supplements are often expensive, accounting for a significant portion of feed costs in livestock production. By preserving the inherent protein in alfalfa silage, farmers can achieve cost savings while maintaining optimal animal performance.
When it comes to animal performance, aerobic spoilage microorganisms not only produce toxins and other harmful compounds that hinder animal production but also reduce the silage’s energy availability (NEL; Figure 2b) by decreasing its nutritional value and digestibility. This energy loss directly translates to less milk in the tank or fewer pounds on the scale. At the end of the day, protecting feed quality is vital to achieving optimal animal performance and maximizing productivity.
Figure 2. A) Dry matter and protein losses of alfalfa silages covered with polyethylene or oxygen barrier considering a 1,200-ton silo. Figure 2. B) Net energy of lactation and milk loss of alfalfa silages covered with polyethylene or oxygen barrier considering a 1,200-ton silo. Adapted from Borreani, G. and Tabacco, E., 2008. New oxygen barrier stretch film enhances quality of alfalfa wrapped silage. Agronomy journal, 100(4) 942-948.
Protect the quality and yield of your valuable crops while reducing feed costs by choosing Passion Ag's oxygen barriers.
About the Author:
Felipe Xavier Amaro, Ph.D., PAS,
Felipe is an expert in animal and crop nutrition, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and on-farm profitability.
Based in Gainesville, Florida, Felipe leads Global Technical Support and Research & Development at PASSION AG.With a deep understanding of the science behind nutrition and a practical approach to farm performance, he plays a key role in driving product development and supporting customers worldwide.
Felipe holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida and is a certified Professional Animal Scientist (PAS), reflecting his dedication to scientific excellence and real-world results.