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AutoLOC |
Automatic length-of-cut (AutoLOC), a feature exclusive to John Deere, brings added value to the HarvestLabTM moisture sensor and John Deere self-propelled forage harvester. Nutritionists, herdsmen, and SPFH operators will all benefit from this innovation.
AutoLOC works in conjunction with the HarvestLab moisture sensor and IVLOCTM transmission to automatically adjust length of cut, based upon crop moisture levels to improve bunk density.
John Deere is leading the industry in providing real-time information that matters most to forage production. Quality forage comes from properly packed silage, which is directly related to the moisture content and length of cut of the crop.
Length-of-cut changes are made automatically in the field based on moisture readings and predetermined settings determined by customer requirements. No in-field calibration is required to load the length of cut requirements; the operator simply uses the GS2 display to program in the desired length-of-cut settings at different moisture levels.
When moisture levels of crop in the field change, the IVLOC feedroll transmission automatically responds to either increase or decrease feedroll speed, which in turn changes the length of cut. If moisture levels of the crop are outside of the desired range, the IVLOC transmission will adjust and limit length of cut, based on the maximum and minimum length-of-cut settings, as determined by the operator.
Why AutoLOC is a MUST to ensure silage quality and overall profitability
It impacts the silage compaction in the bunker to ensure that the quality of feed being stored is of the best quality possible.
Silage density and AutoLoc
Good silage starts with high bunk density in order to preserve the crop value. This is the main objective for both dairy and beef farmers. Many factors are involved in achieving high bunk density including type of crop, moisture levels, length of cut, and bunk filling speed. Some of these factors cannot be easily changed while harvesting. AutoLOC adds a new sense of control to the harvesting and silage storage operation. Now, operators do not need to compromise when choosing the proper LOC based on moisture. AutoLOC takes care of this chore automatically.
Oftentimes, producers are so focused on getting the job done, they overlook some important tasks and details during the harvesting operataion. Knowing the growing period for corn silage covers five months growing in the field and only a few days harvesting for 10 to 12 months of feeding, the process of the silage harvest and storage should be managed as well as possible. The impact of the silage quality, which can be harvested and stored in just a few days, can have a huge impact on farm income throughout the entire year. The silage cost is a major part of the expenses in the dairy and beef businesses. Poor forage quality can cost a herd of dairy cows tens of thousands of dollars per year in increased feed costs and lost milk production.
Spoilage and reheating are the biggest problems in silages bunks. This spoilage and reheating often happens due to insufficient compaction. In order to achieve the right amount of silage compaction and keep as much air out of the silage as possible, the length of cut has to be adjusted according to the moisture levels of the crop; the dryer the material, the smaller the particle size.
While varying LOC dramatically can help to achieve high density levels, the length of cut of the material must be consistent in order to maintain normal rumination, chewing, and saliva production in the rumen. If the particles are too small, the food does not fit anymore with the process of the cow rumen and the compaction becomes difficult due to the instability of the material.
For this reason, John Deere created AutoLoc, which automatically adjusts the length of cut to the moisture value, while staying within the preset length of cut range.
Having some limited length-of-cut variations in a bunk silo should not affect the effective fiber in the ration on a daily basis. Using AutoLOC in conjunction with upright or bag silos, can vary the effective fiber fed to animals on a daily basis.
Looking to the studies (table below) done by Honig and Rohr, 1985, we can see that it is possible to get high density levels of dryer crop when the crop is chopped at a shorter LOC.
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LOC
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Bunk density in pounds per cubic foot
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mm
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73% moisture
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64% moisture
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4
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12.8
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11.2
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7
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12.0
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10.9
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14
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10.8
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9.8
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