Eco-friendly silage film, which previously was a minor choice, has now become a vital component in modern livestock farming. The good quality feed supply is always an important element, but previously, there was no urgent problem that made the farmers switch to that environment-based wrap. Now the world is full of contamination, pollution and other bad effects from the use of plastic; it is now the time to switch. The detailed elaboration will be on its way. Keep reading.
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Contamination Challenges in Dealing with Ensilage
There are many challenges in dealing with this moist forage, but here are four major out of them.
- Plastic ingestion risk: When the plastic wrap is not removed perfectly from the bale, the piece can be unintentionally mixed with the forage. Livestock could desperately eat that plastic-contaminated forage without the ability to spit out the unwanted plastic pieces. Although just a small scrap of plastic wrap, the effect could be serious and dangerous. The lowest level is a problem in the digestive system, and the worst is death.
- Mycotoxin and microbial contamination: The ensilage that is not properly protected is at risk of oxygen exposure. This condition triggers the unwanted mold like Fusarium and Aspergillus. Those two lead to the growth of dangerous mycotoxins, which are Zearalenone and Aflatoxin. Besides being dangerous for the livestock’s health in general, the micotoxins also attack the immune system, reproductive system, and can decrease the quality of the meat and dairy products.
- Microplastic contamination in the soil: The cleaning session after harvest or feeding session often leaves some plastic residue. This plastic waste is unraveled to become microplastics. The small particles of microplastics could contaminate water and soil. It goes back to being mixed with the water or forage, then being drunk or eaten by the livestock. When talking about soil and water contamination, it’s not just about ruining the soil structure but also the livestock itself. Those microplastics accumulate and become a dangerous threat. Moreover, and more shocking, this spoiled soil and water can enter to human food chain.
- Biosecurity risk: This is unseen through naked eyes, but dangerous for the ecosystem. The ripped wrap unintentionally invites the pathogen, like Clostridium botulinum and Listeria monocytogenes, to spread. The forage will be the agent. The cross-bale contamination will be hard to control and stop.
The Role of the Eco-Friendly Silage Film in Helping to Solve the Contamination Problems
The high-quality wrap is the frontline or the first line of defense against microbial contamination and oxidation. The tight and strong seal can maintain the anaerobic circumstance inside the bale. It prevents the purification and saves the nutrient content.
Unfortunately, the conventional forage wrap is disposable. It is thin with the flimsy layer. UV light, wind, careless handling and wildlife intervention could easily break it. Besides, the waste or residue is hard to be removed. It is not friendly to the environment and could spoil the soil and the water. Eco-friendly silage film comes as a sustainable solution. Here are some qualities that ensure you use this environmentally friendly wrap.
- Material and composition: This wrap is made of high-quality renewable plastic material or biodegradable polymer. However, each brand has its own uniqueness. A manufacturer could add another natural material that is resistant to microbes to lengthen the storage time and reduce the contamination risks.
- The advantages in the field: This kind of wrap is strong, not easily torn, and protects better against moisture and UV light. That full protection prevents the growth of bacteria and moles.
- The security in the recycling and decomposition: The material that can be decomposed naturally makes it zero in waste and residue. It doesn’t leave dangerous particles in the soil and water.
- Good impact on the Biosecurity: The tight lock in each bale stops the spread potential of the disease from one bale to another. In other words, if, unfortunately, a bale is infected, the other will not be. This simple benefit means so much in the big husbandry with a high livestock population.
- Proof and evidence of the previous cases: Research conducted in North America and Europe shows that the biodegradable wrap decreases the mycotoxins in the forage. Some farms also reported that the digestive system disorder caused by plastic wrap had decreased. Meanwhile, the productivity increased and the livestock are healthier. In Germany, one of the cases reported that the use of the biodegradable wrap reduces the waste up to 60% in one harvest season. And, the percentage of Listeria infection decreased.
Challenges and Considerations
Switching from the former wrap to the new one needs some things to be fixed. The very first is the purchase of the material, which is pricier than the conventional wrap. Although the result of the thorough counting shows that this is profitable for the long term, not all farmers can pay for the starter. Therefore, saving is important. Manage the finances so that several months from now, the farmers can afford eco-friendly silage film that will make the environment and livestock better.