CLAAS acquires SHREDLAGE tech

A year after acquiring SHREDLAGE's international distribution rights, CLAAS has decided to go one step further and purchase the complete intellectual and marketing rights to the maize silage technology.

SHREDLAGE was developed over the past decade by two dairy nutritionists from America, Roger Olsen and Ross Dale, who recognised the need to develop a more efficient silage process suitable for high-ratio forage diets.

The technology intensively processes both the kernel and 'long chop' stalk using two specially-designed LOREN CUT rollers that fit into the MULTI CROP CRACKER (MCC-L) processor found in CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvesters.

CLAAS V-MAX V20 and V-CLASSIC V24 chopping cylinders are used to produce a chop length of 26 to 30mm, about 10mm longer than conventional silage.

The two LOREN CUT rollers, which have 110 and 145 teeth set in opposing spiral grooves and with a 50 per cent speed differential, break the kernels to a fraction of their normal size while simultaneously shredding the stalks into planks and strings.

CLAAS Greenline Group Product Manager, Luke Wheeler, says the process significantly improves the availability and digestibility of starch and fibre by exposing the inner cells of the kernels and stalks to microbial activity in the rumen.

"University studies have shown small but significant improvements in dry matter intake, digestibility and milk production," he says.

"In addition, the rumen-friendly silage structure is believed to improve the health of cows.

"The need to supplement with other fibre sources, such as straw, can also be reduced or even eliminated, producing even greater savings."

According to Wheeler, the acquisition means contractors operating CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvesters will have three options to choose from.

"All JAGUAR models are equipped with the uniform CLAAS MCC processor that can be fitted with three quick-change corn cracker rollers," he says.

"The availability of MCC CLASSIC, MCC MAX and MCC SHREDLAGE rollers means contractors can now deliver a one-stop solution for short-cut silage, long-cut silage and SHREDLAGE, respectively."