Moisture Content Harvesting and storing silage at the correct moisture content is the best way to prevent seepage and subsequent pollution. The moisture contents that cause the least seepage also produce the best quality silage. The microbial activity in high moisture silage involves yeasts, fungi, and bacteria. These can cause high gaseous losses of dry matter. Over extended periods, high moisture feed becomes less palatable and is frequently inedible, and it may become toxic.
Crops can be too dry when harvested.
Drier plants and late harvest cause dropped ears, stalk breakage and leaf loss so less dry matter is recovered and packing in the silo is more difficult. Rye should be harvested in the boot stage and wilted. Moisture or dry matter contents can be tested on the farm with either a moisture tester or a microwave. Finer chopping leads to greater problems with acidosis, low milk fat content, and abomasal displacements. It is important to divert water away from new and existing silos.