Ampro-grain has all the advantages of propionic acid treatment – but is a safer product to use. With a pH of 2 – 2.3 pure propionic acid is highly corrosive and produces high levels of irritant fumes. Kemira' s special buffering process gives the propionic acid a pH of 4.2, about the same as well made silage. This makes Ampro-grain the ideal, safe way to preserve high moisture mature grain either whole, or as processed feed using your Murska or Korte crimping machine.
Using Ampro-grain eliminates the need for expensive, dusty drying, and will maintain the feed value of treated grain for up to 12 months. It also prevents the growth of moulds and bacteria, which can be a health hazard for both livestock and humans. Ampro-grain can increase the energy value of treated grain.
To ensure accurate application, always calibrate application equipment using Ampro-grain (not water).
Storage
Once processed, treated grain should be stored in an area free from moisture, ie rain, snow, condensation or rising damp. Contact with alkaline materials, such as concrete or limewash, should be avoided, as these will neutralise the preservative effect of the Ampro-grain. Concrete walls and floors should be covered with plastic sheeting, or painted with epoxy resin based paint. Storage in metal, galvanised bins is perfectly acceptable. If it is necessary to cover the grain, to keep out birds or cats for example, use a net. Plastic sheeting should be avoided for covering grain because it may lead to a buildup of condensation.
Good for hay and haylage
Ampro-grain can also be used to protect hay or haylage with moisture contents of up to 25% from the growth of harmful moulds and other spoilage organisms. Applied at six litres per tonne on material up to 20% moisture and eight litres per tonne with moisture levels of 20-25%, Ampro-grain minimises dust formation and retains most nutrients by preventing heating. The need for wrapping haylage bales (25% moisture or less) is eliminated, provided they can be stored under cover. Bales should be left to stand in the open air for a few hours to allow respired moisture to escape, before taking into storage. Hay and haylage treated with Ampro-grain is ideal for feeding to horses.
Straw
If you want to bale straw from crops harvested for crimping without waiting for the straw to dry, treat it with Ampro-grain applied during baling at eight litres/tonne. There will be no need to wrap the bales provided they’re stored under cover.
|
 |
Why Ampro-grain?
1 Much safer and more pleasant to use than pure proprionic acid: no corrosion, less fumes.
2 deal for treatment of grain up to 28% moisture content
3 Retains maximum nutrients
4 Prevents mould growth.
5 Apply to rolled grain (through a Korte or Murska machine) or as whole grain via the auger applicator
6 Removes the need for expensive drying.
7 Less dust, simple storage requirements.
8 Good for hay or haylage (up to 25% MC) and straw left after crimping
9 No need to bale wrap as long as the treated hay or straw is kept under cover. |
|
Which preservative to
use?
Depending on their needs farmers can now adopt any of three moist crop preservatives:
- Ampro-grain preserves whole or rolled grain at moisture contents between 16% – 28%
- Crimpstore for crimped ensiled cereal grain, peas, beans and lupins at 35% – 45% MC.
- Wholecrop Preserver for fermented wholecrop silages from 35% – 45% DM. Suitable for cereals, maize, and peas, beans and lupins.
|
|
|
