Testimonials
Darren Callan, Farm manager of Corston Farm (300 cows) and Broadgate Farm (400 cows) in Pembrokeshire.
"Optimize balances pH and acidity levels in the grass leading to improved dry matter intakes. When you make silage from young leafy grass it can become very acidic, which causes problems to the cows digestive system. Optimize stabilised the pH in the silage without creating too much lactic acid. I have always ensiled high quality protein grass and this additive keeps protein in the silage."
Having achieved silage containing 20% + crude protein and 12.7 ME he explains "Good quality grass silage is essential to the system as it is the core ingredient for producing yields in excess of 9000 litres. The change from Optimize to Optimize Plus two years ago has shown further improvements to our milk from forage, cow condition and milk quality."
Darren won the All Wales Silage competition in 2006 and 2011 whilst using Optimize and then Optimize Plus. The winning entry was said to be an "Outstanding example of the efficiency in forage and livestock management, in a large scale, high output dairy herd." For more information on the winning silage.
Gwyndaf Davies of Trefwtial, Tremain, Cardigan
Gwyndaf has used Optimize Plus on his grass, maize and wholecrop silage for the last three years. He cuts his grass early to achieve higher protein and ME in the silage for his 200 holsteins. He produces 4 grass cuts, whole crop and maize. "Maximising forage Dry Matter intakes is the key to healthy and profitable cows. We have more effectively preserved protein since using Optimize Plus. Our silage quality and performance is consistently high with exceptional intakes. "We have been very impressed with Optimize and it has done a good job on early cut silages. Of the 30 litres average we can now produce 14 litres from forage. We get better fermentation, and the pH has not been below four since we started using it, whereas before we were getting a pH of between 3.6 and 3.8. This has improved cow health as previously high acid load was a problem which affected Dry Matter intakes. "These days I know that when I open my clamp that the silage will be well preserved and palatable. It is a relief after so many years, that I have found an additive which does what I want. The cows prove it's good, they are happy, comfortable and making a profit and that's what makes my way of life so rewarding."
James Rogerson, Game Farm, Singleton, Nr Blackpool "I have used Optimize and more recently Optimize Plus for 11 years now, and really believe it is important to use a good inoculant to produce excellent silage. Forage quality is crucial to profit and Optimize helps make sure the feed value is maintained and the silage is not acidic. With high quality forage cows produce more milk from cheaper and smaller amounts of concentrate. Also the cows are healthier and easier to get in calf." James always aims for a 4-5 week cutting cycle. He says "forage quality is crucial to profit. With high quality forage, cows are healthier and easier to get in calf. I expect to produce 4,000+ litres of milk from forage per cow per lactation. Optimize Plus treated silage does this and more." Discussing energy density in his silage James comments: "Optimize Plus treated silage continues to improve until 3 months after clamping. I try to keep my clamps closed for 3 months so that the energy offered to my cows is in the best for the maximum milk production from forage. This also aids the stability of the silage and I can feed my cows the best and cheapest form of energy. On the high dry matter intakes he consistently achieves James adds: "It is important to feed enough silage in the TMR and not over feed concentrates. Once the diet is set and the herd is achieving the yield expected, challenge the silage by taking out concentrate and replacing with more silage. This way the silage is allowed to express its true potential."
Richard Tomlinson, (Organic milk producer) Lower Park Farm, Rossett, Wrexham
"Since using Optimize on my silage I can trust it to stay stable for longer. I mix a ration including silage and straights for my calves once every 5 days. This stays cool over the period, it's the only silage additive that will achieve this result for me."
Vic Herd, Brackenhurst College, Nottingham University "The Optimize bacillus stabilised my whole crop superbly. It ripened very quickly due to drought conditions. The additive worked despite dryness of the crop."
Mr Adams, Apple Tree Farm, Daventry, Northamptonshire "I've seen a 7p per litre improvement on my margins since using Optimize Plus."
