Silage Preparation Models for Ensilability and Additive Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing silage quality after fermentation do not allow for modification or improvement of the ensiling process, and existing quality index scores only provide information about the silage quality post-fermentation, failing to predict the potential of freshly harvested crops to become good silage or the need for additives to enhance fermentation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of ensilability and retention indices through analyzing freshly harvested crops using spectroscopic methods, followed by applying models to predict the ensilability and retention of dry matter, and adding appropriate additives to optimize the ensiling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quality index scores are used to assess silage quality after fermentation, then information about post-fermentation quality is obtained, but the ability to predict potential of freshly harvested crops and modify the ensiling process is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the ensilability index (Ini) and retention index (Rei) from freshly harvested crops before the ensiling process begins. This allows farmers to predict fermentation quality and dry matter loss potential in advance, enabling them to modify the ensiling process or add appropriate additives before fermentation occurs, rather than only assessing quality after the fact.
2Reliability
If traditional quality assessment methods are used, then post-fermentation quality parameters are measured, but the capability to optimize the ensiling process through additive selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the determined Ini and Rei indices to guide decisions about additive selection and ensiling process parameters. The indices provide quantitative feedback about the harvested crop's potential, allowing farmers to adjust their ensiling approach based on measured characteristics rather than using fixed protocols, thereby optimizing the process for each specific crop batch.
3Ease of manufacture
If no predictive indices are used, then the ensiling process follows standard procedures, but dry matter loss and fermentation quality cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing two new predictive parameters (Ini and Rei) that quantify the potential for successful ensiling and dry matter retention. These parameters transform the ensiling process from a standardized procedure into an optimized process where additive types and amounts are selected based on the specific chemical composition and characteristics of each harvested crop batch.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables farmers to predict the potential of freshly harvested crops to become high-quality silage and optimize the ensiling process by adding specific additives, thereby improving fermentation quality and reducing dry matter loss.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing freshly harvested crops using spectroscopic methods
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the silage good to fermentation to obtain a silage product
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a method of preparing of a silage good having improved quality, to an ensiling process employing the method or the silage good, and an apparatus of preparing of a silage good having improved quality. The method includes applying a first model on determined parameters to determine an ensilability index number and applying a second model on the determined parameters to determine a retention index number for a harvested good. The method can further include determining types and amounts of ensiling additives to be added to the harvested good for controlling the ensiling process depending on the ensilability index number and the retention index number and supplying the determined additives to the harvested good to obtain the silage good.