As the grass farms were destroyed in the flood, silage is suggested as a good alternative fodder for the cattle. Though the north Indian farmers often give silage to the cattle, it is not familiar in Kerala. However, the present circumstances have compelled the farmers to take resort to silage as a feed for the cattle.
Silage is made by keeping a mix of grass or corn, molasses and salt solution in airtight containers for at least one and a half month. Plenty of amino acids and nutrients are formed in the mixture through fermentation.
Silage is easily digestible and is good for high milk production. A good quality silage is greenish yellow in colour and has a pleasant aroma. If silage is made when grass and corn are available in plenty, it will be helpful during scarcity seasons.
As the cattle in Kerala are not familiar with having silage, Dairy Development Board officers should be monitoring the cattle when they are served with silage for the first time. It is directed that maximum 4 kg silage per day should be given to the cattle.
After the flood disaster, the Dairy Development Board had arranged to distribute silage packets to the farmers. Each packet contains 90 kg silage. If the packet is opened, it has to be used within two days.
