The Shredlage process allows CLAAS Jaguar forage harvesters equipped with a specially designed roller-cracker unit to produce high quality, long-cut shredded corn silage.
Under the arrangement, CLAAS will market the technology globally with ongoing technical support from Shredlage Ltd.
CLAAS Harvest Centre group product manager – CLAAS Greenline, Luke Wheeler, says the new technology would provide significant opportunities for growth in both New Zealand and Australia.
“CLAAS is already the undisputed market leader in self-propelled forage harvesters,” he said.
“The Shredlage process, combined with the service and support provided by the CLAAS Harvest Centre network, will allow contractors to provide an even better silage for livestock producers.
“In turn, it will help to increase demand for better quality silage as the use of total and partial mixed rations increases in both countries.
“None of our competitors can produce this kind of chopped material.”
“This technology has already been widely adopted in the USA and we have no doubt it will quickly adopted locally.”
Shredlage was developed in the US by dairy nutritionists Roger Olsen and Ross Dale, who recognised the need to develop a more efficient silage process suitable for high-ratio forage diets.
The patented Shredlage Corn Cracker incorporates the existing CLAAS Multi-Crop Cracker, which splits corn kernels, with the patented Loren Cut roller, which rips long-chop (26–30mm) corn stalk into planks and strings.
University studies and independent onfarm evaluations have confirmed the process delivers significant nutritional benefits compared to traditional techniques.
One study done by the University of Wisconsin in Madison confirmed the process significantly increased drymatter intake, digestibility and milk production in dairy cows over eight weeks.
“In effect, the Shredlage process improves the level of effective fibre and exposes the inner cells of the plant to microbial activity in the rumen,” Wheeler said.
“In turn, this helps to make the fibre more digestible.
“Shredlage can also help to lower feed costs by reducing the amount of straw and hay that needs to be added to total and partial mixed rations to maintain optimum rumen health and function.
CLAAS will offer the technology as a factory-installed or after-market option for Jaguar forage harvesters from 2016.
Long-chop maize technology improves digestibility
German forage harvester manufacturer CLAAS has entered into an agreement with a United States company to market a silage processing technique the companies say significantly improves digestibility and livestock performance.
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