Caustic Soda

The treatment of cereals, legumes, oilseeds with Caustic Soda (Sodagrain treatment) is a well proven and effective technique.  Treated grains can be fed without further processing.  The Sodagrain process is also an effective way of preserving moist grain.

As an additional benefit, treated grains are alkali so they provide Rumen Buffering and assist in the prevention of acidosis.

Caustic Soda is a hazardous product and appropriate precautions should be taken before handling and usage.  The treatment process neutralises the Caustic Soda, leaving a sodium (salt) residue.  You should consider the use of a Low Sodium Mineral (Sodagrain Balancer) in diets containing Caustic treated grains.  This will avoid excessive water intake caused by the residual sodium.

The Sodagrain process – treating grain with Pearl Caustic Soda is a simple, effective means of on farm processing of whole grain for cattle feed.

Sodagrain can improve forage and total feed intake, leading to increased milk yield and quality in Dairy Cattle and better liveweight gains.

A watertight mixer feeder wagon is used for the process, eliminating the need for rolling and yielding a product, which stores well and with distinct nutritional characteristics will set it apart from conventionally rolled grain.

THE SODAGRAIN PROCESS – STEP BY STEP

Suitable protective clothing, chemical gauntlets, and eye protection must always be worn when handling Caustic Soda.

STEP 1

Put the dry grain into the feeder to the following maximum loads:

Table 1

Cleanliness is vital throughout the process.  Ensure that the loader bucket and the feeder wagon are clean.  Moist grain can be treated direct from the combine.  DO NOT PROCESS UNRIPE GRAIN.

STEP 2

Carefully and evenly add the Pearl Caustic Soda using a front loader.
For wheat, add 3% Caustic Soda (30kg/tonnes of grain)
For Barley, add 5% Caustic Soda (50kg/tonnes of grain)
Avoid windy conditions when tipping.
Always use full bags – never use bags that are partially full.
Dispose of empty bags immediately after use.
It is essential that any lumps of Caustic Soda are broken up or removed to ensure good distribution, solubility and the safety of processed feed.

STEP 3

Dry mix the Caustic Soda and the cereal for 5 minutes.
Even distribution of the Caustic Soda is essential to ensure uniform treatment of the grain.

STEP 4

With the feeder stopped, carefully add water to the grain/Caustic Soda mix according to Table 2 below.
This is best done via the front loader, as even and quick application of water along the length of the grain is necessary to produce a uniform and vigorous chemical reaction.
Mix until cereals coats are removed (15 – 20mins)
Heat is generated when Caustic Soda dissolves in water – it is a combination of heat, strong alkali, and mechanical action, which processes the grain.
As mixing proceeds, the grain will darken in colour and the outer coat will break down.

Table 2

NOTE:  IF SODA GRAIN IS TO BE FED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 4 DAY PROCESS, FOLLOW STEPS 5 TO 8.

IF SODAGRAIN IS TO BE STORED FOR MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS – SKIP TEST 5.

STEP 5

Add more water as shown in Table 3 below.
This is essential as dry grain may pass undigested through the rumen.
Mix for 5 minutes.

Table 3

STEP 6 – Either A or B

A.
Leave the grain in the feeder.  After one hour, mix for (only) 5 minutes.  After another 1 – 2 hours mix (again) for 5 minutes.  This gets rid of the heat and prevents lumping.

DO NOT LEAVE GRAIN UNMIXED IN THE FEEDER FOR MORE THAN 4 HOURS AS IT CAN GO HARD AND PUT STRAIN IN THE FEEDER WHEN RESTARTING.
Discharge treated grain.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO HEAVY RAIN AT THIS STAGE – IT WILL NULLIFY THE PRESERVATIVE EFFECT OF THE CAUSTIC SODA.

B.
Tip the hot grain into a heap and leave for at least 5 hours. Ensure that the grain is tipped onto a clean surface to minimalise contamination.  The combination of heat and alkali continues the process in the tipped heap.
Spread the heap on a clean surface to approximately 1 foot deep and allow to cool.
Following cooling, if the material is too sticky or lumpy it can be re-run through the Keenan Feeder.  Simply load it back in and quickly discharge out again with no further treatments.  This mechanical action will provide a loose, friable feed material.

STEP 7

Freshly treated Sodagrain has a sticky consistency and 40 – 100kgs may lodge in the auger tube or mixing chamber.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO CLEAN OUT THIS RESIDUE COMPLETELY.  THE MOST PRACTICAL METHOD IS TO LOAD, AND THEN DISCHARGE 200 – 300 KG OF SILAGE.
WARNING:  THIS DISCHARGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE FED FOR 4 DAYS.

STEP 8

Restack and store in a clean and covered area, where there is no risk of flooding.

FEEDING OF SODAGRAIN SHOULD NOT COMMENCE UNTIL 4 DAYS AFTER THE TREATMENT PROCESS.
 

For a no-obligation quote on Caustic Soda, either:
		Return our general enquiry form – and we will contact you » click here
		Call us on Freephone 08000 833 616, or 01638 717866

Other products that may be of interest:
Sodium Bicarbonate
Acid Buf
Vital Buf

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