Norway

Tower silos used to be the dominant form of silage storage in Norway, but the popularity of big round bales is increasing. Today, tower silos and big bales represent approximately 40% of the total silage storage with the remaining 20% being stored in bunker silos.

Two cuts

Two cuts a year are regularly taken in mid-late June and August with a rare third one in September if conditions are favourable.

Six layers of white wrap are standard, though there is some use of pale green wrap.

Contracting is widespread

Nearly all round bale silage is baled and wrapped by contractors. As most contractors are part time, with their main income from other work, there is little accumulated learning and standards are not high. Additionally, contractors lack the incentive to make perfect bales as payment is usually per bale. Consequently DM content is often low, around 30% for cattle.

Low dry matter

Bales are normally wrapped in the field and stored at the field edge on unprepared surfaces until use. Due to the low DM content that is the norm in the region, bales are often misshapen. Additionally, at such low levels of DM, the silage is usually heavily fermented, which can influence feed intake and utilisation by the animal.

Additives are used

Both chemical and biological additives are used, but in recent years, recorded usage has declined slightly. Norway also has a compulsory approval scheme for silage additives.

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