Boost Your Cattle's Health and Productivity with Napier Silage

Making Napier grass silage at home using effective microorganisms (EM) and brown sugar is easier than you might think. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process using a 25-liter plastic drum.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Napier grass - Freshly cut and chopped into 1-2 inch pieces.
• Effective Microorganisms (EM) - You can buy EM solutions or make your own.
• Brown sugar - This feeds the EM.
• Water (Preferably untreated, Natural water) - For mixing the EM and brown sugar.
• 25-liter plastic drum - Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid.

Let's Get Started

1. Prepare Your EM Solution

• Mix 1 liter of water with 50ml of EM solution.

• Add 100 grams of brown sugar and stir until dissolved.

• Let it sit for 1-2 hours to activate.

2. Prep the Napier Grass

• Chop the grass into small pieces (1-2 inch).

• Spread it out in a shaded area to wilt for a few hours until the moisture content drops to 60-70%.

3. Layering the Drum

• Start by adding a 10-15 cm layer of chopped grass at the bottom of the drum.

• Sprinkle the EM solution over the grass. Use about 500 ml for every 10 kg of grass.

• Press the layer down firmly to remove air pockets.

• Keep layering until the drum is full.

4. Seal It Up

• Press the top layer down firmly.

• Seal the drum tightly to create an anaerobic environment, which is crucial for fermentation.

5. Fermentation Time

• Store the drum in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

• Let it ferment for at least 21 days.

6. Check Your Silage

• After 21 days, open the drum and check your silage.

• It should smell slightly sweet and tangy, with a light green to yellow color and no mold.

• If it looks and smells good, it’s ready to feed to your livestock

Pro Tips

• Grass Quality - Always start with fresh, mold-free Napier grass.

• Press It Down - Compressing the grass well helps create the right environment for fermentation.

• Use It Quickly - Once opened, use the silage within a few days or transfer it to another airtight container.

Why Napier Silage is Great for Your Cattle ?

1. Nutrient-Rich and Energy-Packed - Silage keeps most of Napier grass's nutritional value intact, giving your cattle high energy and fiber for better digestion.

2. Easy on Their Stomach - The fermentation process makes the silage easier for cattle to digest, leading to better nutrient absorption.

3. Consistent Quality - Silage provides reliable, high-quality feed year-round, regardless of the season.

4. Boosts Milk Production - Dairy cows fed with silage often produce more milk of better quality.

5. Promotes Healthy Weight Gain - Beef cattle thrive on the energy-rich silage, gaining healthy weight more efficiently.

6. Cost-Effective - Silage can save you money on feed, especially during dry seasons.

7. Stores Well - Properly made silage can last for months, ensuring you have a steady feed supply.

How Much Silage Should You Feed?

1. Dairy Cattle

• Lactating cows - 25-30 kg per day, with additional concentrates if needed.

• Dry cows - 15-20 kg per day.

2. Beef Cattle

• Feed 20-25 kg of silage per day, adjusting based on age, weight, and growth stage.

3. Calves

• Start with 5-10 kg per day for weaned calves and increase as they

Feeding Tips

• Balance Their Diet - Silage should be part of a balanced diet with enough minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.

• Monitor Health - Watch for any signs of digestive issues or changes in health as you introduce silage.

• Don’t Overfeed - Stick to recommended amounts to avoid excessive weight gain or digestive problems.

By making and feeding Napier silage, you’re giving your cattle a high-quality, nutritious diet that keeps them healthy and productive all year long...