7
T
HE
3M’
S
OF
S
ILAGE
Appendix
B
Ag-Bag International, Ltd.
MB7010 HyPac November 2003
V
ENTING
THE
B
AG
Some feeds produce a large amount of nitrogenous
oxide. This creates a gas from the respiration of
the plants in the bag. It’s a perfectly normal
process. In order for the gases to
escape
under
controlled
conditions, venting is a very important
step in bagging. For that purpose, Ag-Bag
®
recommends and sells reusable vent valves
instead of cutting exhaust ports that you must later
tape shut.
Instructions for using the Ag-Bag
®
vent valve:
Take the cover off the vent tool. Insert the tool, with
prongs up, into the cover by lining up the notches.
Taking the threaded side of the valve, line up the
notches and slide it over the top of the pronged
end of the tool. (See illustration below.)
After you have located the spot where you want
the vent to be installed, press the prongs of the
tool into the plastic to create a hole. Push the tool
through the hole and pull out leaving the threaded
end sticking out. (See illustration below.)
Slide the lid open enough to allow the gases to
escape. Within 1-2 days, close lid and leave valve
in until that end of the bag is fed out. NOTE: If
exceptional gassing up occurs, you may leave the
vent open for an additional day. Or, if you notice
the bag puffing up again after shutting the valve,
open up again until the gases recede, then close.
Turning the valve lid to the left, screw on tightly.
(See illustration below.)
B
ANK
Y
OUR
B
AGS
To avoid wind damage, use old rubber tires or other
weighted material at the ends of the bag to keep
loose plastic from flapping in the wind. The wind
can cause plastic fatigue leaving small holes to
allow oxygen to enter the feed. A little extra care at
the start can make a difference in the feed quality
- hold that loose plastic down.
DO’S AND DON’TS
1.
DON’T
get dirt in the feed going into the bag.
2.
DON’T
allow holes or damage to the bags to
remain open.
3.
DON’T
place bags in a poorly drained area.
4.
DON’T
allow dogs, cats and other animals to
get on the bags.
5.
DON’T
put feed up too dry or too mature.
6.
DON’T
put excessively wet forage in the bag.
7.
DON’T
allow the bagging machine to remain
hooked up to the bag for long periods
of time with feed still left in the hopper or
tunnel.
1.
DO
protect the storage area from livestock.
2.
DO
inspect on a regular basis and mend holes
with Ag-Bag
®
tape.
3.
DO
place bags on a well-drained, hard, level
surface.
4.
DO
have your feed tested – to be able to mix
and balance your ration.
5.
DO
ensile your crop at proper moisture and
maturity.
