IBS Guides Producers on Silage and Pasture Management in Project MS Sul Leite

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The BioSistêmico Institute (IBS) has begun providing nutritional and pasture management services to producers participating in Project MS Sul Leite. Conducted between May and June, the visits were led by veterinarian and IBS consultant Karen Costa.

The primary objective of this stage was to train producers during the crucial moment of silage making, identifying points of improvement in storage and preservation processes to optimize milk production and minimize losses. Additionally, producers received guidance on correct pasture management to ensure maximum grass utilization.

During the visits, the consultant performed essential qualitative analyses for herd nutrition, such as evaluating dry matter, silo temperature, and conducting the Penn State Particle Separator test (a tool that assesses the particle size of cow feed).

The Challenge of Whole Kernels in Silage

One of the main points of attention identified by the technical team was the presence of whole corn kernels in the silage of some properties.

"Scientific studies show that every 1% of starch lost in animal feces, often caused by these whole kernels that the cow cannot digest, represents about 0.32 kg less milk per day," explains Karen Costa.

As a recommendation to overcome this challenge, the veterinarian advised producers to aim for maximum breakage of the corn kernel. The technical guidance includes identifying and prioritizing forage harvesters equipped with a cracker—the mechanism responsible for crushing the kernels—or, if possible, retrofitting this equipment onto existing machinery.

Potential in the Dry Season and Receptivity

Despite the mechanical challenges during harvest, the consultant highlights that the region has enormous potential to become a benchmark in milk production. The differentiating factor lies in the awareness of the producers, who already understand the importance of planning and producing feed for the animals during the dry season, when the lack of rain reduces pasture availability.

The receptivity of the producers was one of the highlights of this first round. According to Karen, the start of the technical visits was marked by the interest and engagement of the assisted families.

"The producers were eagerly anticipating the visits. Many had accumulated doubts about the ensiling process and showed openness to learning and changing their management practices to improve results," the veterinarian concludes.

About Project MS Sul Leite

Conceived by the BioSistêmico Institute (IBS) and funded by the Zoetis Foundation, Project MS Sul Leite works alongside members of the Agricultural Cooperative of Milk Producers of Ponta Porã (Cooperporã). Its objective is to strengthen family dairy farming in the southern region of Mato Grosso do Sul.

The initiative promotes specialized technical assistance, training, and the application of technologies aimed at improving production systems, covering areas such as reproductive, health, and nutritional herd management, zootechnical management, and the adoption of good production practices.

The project also develops actions aimed at strengthening associations and cooperatives, alongside initiatives to engage rural youth and women. Throughout its execution, it seeks to contribute to increasing productivity, improving milk quality, ensuring property sustainability, and fostering the development of producing families in the region.