Potential and Constraints of Little Bag Silage for Smallholders-Results and Experiences From Honduras

Abstract

SUMMARYLittle bag silage (LBS) is seen as a low-cost alternative suitable for resource-poor smallholders to alleviate dry-season feed constraints. Within a research project carried out by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture and partners in Honduras, LBS was tested and its use encouraged during farmer training and field days. The present study highlights the most relevant technological and socio-economic potential and constraints of LBS. Surveys and experimental results revealed great vulnerability of plastic bags to pests, particularly rodents, accompanied by high spoilage losses. The main constraints to wider adoption include availability of i) suitable and affordable plastic bags, and ii) appropriate chopping equipment and storage facilities on smallholder farms. LBS proved to be useful and could play an important role in participatory research and extension activities, as a demonstration, experimentation and learning tool that can be used to get small-scale silage novices started with a low-risk technology.

Study on the practices of silage production and utilization on Brazilian dairy farms

“…Artificial dryers are expensive for farmers, and buildings are often not available ('t Mannetje, 1999). Consequently, ensiling is the main method for forage preservation in countries with hot and humid climates (Adesogan, 2009;Reiber et al, 2009;Lima-Orozco et al, 2013). Since the implementation of silage as part of the dietary plan of dairy cattle over a hundred years ago, no data have been published in the literature describing practices of its production and utilization in Brazil.…”

Effect of ensiling a total mixed ration on feed quality for cattle in smallholder dairy farms

“…Frecuencia relativa de los puntajes de color y olor para los ensilajes de ración totalmente mezclada (TMR) y de planta entera de maíz (WPC A small bag ensiling technology was promoted as a useful and low cost tool to improve production in smallholder livestock farms (Reiber et al 2009). The carrying capacity described for commercial small bags ranges from 40 (Reiber et al 2009) to 500 kg (Scribano 2012).…”

“…The carrying capacity described for commercial small bags ranges from 40 (Reiber et al 2009) to 500 kg (Scribano 2012). Results from laboratory silos should be field-tested using commercial bags before being applied at farms (Cherney et al 2004).…”

Factores que determinan la adopción del ensilaje en unidades de producción ganaderas en el trópico seco del noroeste de México

“…Otras alternativas pueden ser a través de la adecuación de la tecnología para pequeñas unidades de producción, como el ensilaje en bolsas de plástico (Reiber et al, 2009), así como la creación de un mercado directamente en la finca del productor, lo que en años recientes sucedió en la región de estudio. Durante el ciclo 2018, la organización de productores que agrupa a todos los ganaderos en Sinaloa adquirió maquinaria, equipo y transporte para realizar el ensilaje de maíz y sorgo en zonas de riego, con el fin de ofertar a precios bajos (US$50 por tonelada) el ensilaje a pequeños y medianos productores.…”