Silage Production for Fur Producers

The largest single cost on any fur farm is for feed. This usually equates to 60 per cent of the total cost of producing a pelt. A new method of feed management which can reduce feed costs is the use of by-product silage. By-product silage is made by acidifying a protein source such as meat or fish. Enzymes present in the by-product begin to work when the acid is added. The enzymes break down the by-products into silage.

Silage advantages over other feedstuffs

  • Protein Content – Silage has a high protein content; as high as 70 per cent. The actual protein value is dependent on the type of by-product used.
  • Easy Storage Once Ensiled – By-products are extremely stable. Silage can be stored at room temperature for as long as two years without any change in quality.
  • Inexpensive Production – Fur farmers already own a majority of the equipment necessary to make silage. The remaining materials can be purchased at reasonable price.
  • Utilizes Waste Material – This has two advantages. First, it helps reduce the pollution produced by fish plants, slaughterhouses and aquaculture sites. Secondly, since silage is made from waste material, the by-products are available for little or no cost.

Production

Silage can be produced from just about any type of meat or fish. Silage has been made from slaughterhouse waste, spent hens, fish offal, seal meat and aquaculture waste and by-catch fish such as male capelin. When selecting by-products to ensile, it is best to choose material which is locally available and not spoiled. All by-products are ensiled using the same basic principles.

These steps are:

Step 1 – Grind By-Products

Grinding increases the ensiling rate of the by-product and allows for more effective mixing.

Step 2 – Add an Acid

The acid most often used for silage is formic acid, but it is possible to use other types. Acid is added for two reasons. The first is that acid inhibits the growth of bacteria in the silage. The second reason is that acid increases the activity of the enzymes which break down the silage.

Step 3 – Add an Antioxidant

An antioxidant such as ethoxiquin should be added to the silage. This helps reduce the deterioration of fats and oils in the silage and also protects fat soluble vitamins.

Step 4 – Add a Mold Inhibitor

It is a good idea to add a mold inhibitor such as mold curb. Mold inhibitor stops the growth of mold and bacteria which can infect silage.

Step 5 – Mix Silage

Silage should be mixed on a regular basis, daily if possible. Mixing ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed among the silage. Mixing also speeds up the ensiling process which in turn shortens the time required to process the by-products.

Step 6 – Store Silage

Once the by-product has been ensiled, it is ready for storage. Since silage is very watery, storage tanks or barrels are required.

Once in storage, silage is stable for up to two years. Ingredients such as acid or antioxidants are usually carried by local suppliers; however, they are not usually kept in stock and must be ordered in. It is a good idea to contact the supplier ahead of time so that there will be adequate time to obtain the materials.

Formic acid is available from chemical supply companies. It usually comes in barrels or 20 litre pails. Antioxidants and mold inhibitors can be obtained from a feed supplier. Different and names are available with different concentrations, so it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The total cost of acid, antioxidant and mold inhibitor which is necessary to ensile one tonne of by-products is $62.40. This is a one time expense which will preserve the by-product until feeding, unlike freezing which requires electricity and contributes to the farmer’s monthly power bill.

For further information contact your Alternative Feeds Coordinator

Related Information

Alternative Feeds