Optimizing silage feed - from storage to serving

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Corn silage is a staple in agriculture, serving as a valuable feed source. Its quality and preservation are central to successful feeding. Silage uses fermentation, a process where plant carbohydrates convert to acetic and lactic acid, keeping the silage preserved. By November, roughly sixty days have passed since the last harvest, making it an ideal time to feed out.

Storage is Key:

Producers know the importance of tight packing for silage. A swift harvest process, often aided by specialized crews, ensures little room for error. Once packed well, the silage undergoes anaerobic fermentation, usually finishing in about three weeks.

If untouched, it remains preserved for an extended period. Feeding introduces challenges. Short particle length silages, properly compacted, ensure rapid fermentation and later, reduced spoilage.

Feeding Out Concerns:

When silage meets oxygen, aerobic fermentation begins, causing deterioration. Hence, limiting air exposure at the silage face is crucial. Effective feeding depends on storage methods, daily use rates, machinery for extraction, and operator skills. The technique to extract silage is important. Proper equipment ensures a smooth silage face, preserving quality.

In some facilities, special gear might be limited. In such situations, operator skills shine. Ideally, daily removal should be around 6 to 8 inches in depth from the entire face. Specialized tools, like silage defacers, cutting frames, and shear buckets, can assist.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

If specific gear is unavailable, consider investing. Benefits include reduced material loss and enhanced cattle intake. When deciding, ponder over factors like the number of cattle, feeding days, maintenance costs, and operational specifics.

Safety First:

One cannot stress enough the importance of safety. Silos, especially large ones, can be hazardous. Their vertical faces may collapse unexpectedly. Always prioritize worker safety.

Remember, the journey from silo to serving requires precision. With proper techniques, one can ensure both the quality of the feed and the safety of workers.