Hay and Silage
The Biostart hay and silage preservative range is designed specifically to maintain feed quality and reduce spoilage. Our biological approach to preserving silage focusses on activating beneficial ensiling bacteria and inhibiting yeast and fungi in forage. Our biological approach to preserving hay relies on inhibiting yeast and fungal activity.
SilageKing
Preserve silage by stimulating the beneficial, naturally occurring ensiling bacteria. Certified organic version available.
MaizeKing
Biological silage additive with natural ensiling bacteria for high-quality maize silage. For organics we recommend using certified Organic SilageKing.
HayKing
Biological hay preservative for mould control and high-quality feed. Certified organic version available.
How our range works
Our silage preservatives, SilageKing and MaizeKing, create high quality silage by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microbes responsible for decomposition and spoilage while at the same time activating beneficial ensiling microbes.
Our hay preservative, HayKing, creates high metabolisable energy and cooler bales by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microbes that use up feed energy, heat bales and produce mycotoxins that affect animal health. It creates high-quality bales even at a higher baling moisture level.
How to use our products
Silage Preservation Programme
Our biological silage programme is designed to activate natural ensiling microbes while suppressing spoilage microbes resulting in quality silage with high metabolic energy.
Directions
Apply SilageKing at harvest. We recommend the use of a Biostart applicator. Clean the applicator system to remove any product residues prior to use. To maximise SilageKing’s efficacy it should always be used in conjunction with good silage making practices. Certain factors e.g. moisture, compaction, sealing, and soil, fertiliser or effluent contamination, may impact SilageKing’s efficacy and/or feed quality.
| Product | Use | Application |
|---|---|---|
SilageKing Liquid |
Standard round bales when whole plant dry matter is between 25–35% | 150 mL per bale |
| Pit silage when whole plant dry matter is between 25–35% | 150 mL per wet tonne |
Maize Silage Preservation Programme
Our biological maize silage programme is designed to activate natural ensiling microbes while suppressing spoilage microbes resulting in quality maize silage with high metabolic energy.
Directions for use
Apply MaizeKing at harvest. We recommend the use of a Biostart applicator. Clean the applicator system to remove any product residues prior to use. To maximise MaizeKing’s efficacy it should always be used in conjunction with good silage making practices.
Certain factors e.g. moisture, compaction, sealing, and soil, fertiliser or effluent contamination, may impact MaizeKing’s efficacy and/or feed quality.
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
MaizeKing Liquid |
Apply 115 mL/wet tonne at harvest with a Biostart applicator. |
Hay Preservation Programme
Our biological hay programme is designed to allow baling at a higher moisture level while producing high quality, cooler bales.
Directions for use:
Accurately measure the moisture content of all hay before baling using either a moisture meter or carry out a microwave test. Do not use HayKing if moisture levels exceed 24%.
If crop conditions change, the application rate can be changed from the cab using a dash-mounted controller. The controller enables you to regulate the application rate to meet light, medium or heavy crop loadings.
| Product | Use | Application |
|---|---|---|
HayKing Liquid |
Small bales up to 35kg with moisture level < 21% | 20mL per bale |
| Small bales up to 35 kg with moisture level 21–24% | 25mL per bale. | |
| Bigger bales with moisture level < 21% | 500mL per tonne | |
| Bigger bales with moisture level 21–24% | 700mL per tonne | |
Evidence
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Testimonial: Craig Hage, Agricultural Contractor, South Australia Craig Hage likes Biostart’s HayKing because, “There is no stuffing around mixing batches and can be tipped straight into the tank on the baler.” Read more |
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Testimonial: The Horton Family, Lucerne and Oaten Hay Silage, NSW The Hortons started using SilageKing after a client’s canola crop failed in 2018 and they haven’t looked back, they have been using SilageKing ever since. Read more |
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Ross Flexman Testimonial – Rural Contractor Magazine, August/September 2023 Edition A HayKing and SilageKing customer started his contracting business two years ago and already has more than 100 customers. Read more |
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Feed more cows per bale of hay The latest trials of Biostart HayKing reveal how it improves both the preservation and quality of baled hay. Read more |
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Feed more cows per bale of silage Trials reveal how Biostart SilageKing improves both the preservation and quality of baled grass silage Read more |
Additional products
If you want to get the most from your forage, we have these additional products to support you.
Digester
Digester activates soil decomposition microbes for faster crop residue breakdown, this reduces the opportunity for disease over-wintering and improves nutrient recycling and soil structure. Apply Digester directly on the soil during or after stubble incorporation.Ready to get started?
Contact us for personalised advice or find out where you can buy Biostart products: