SIMPLE TOOLS FOR SILAGE MANAGEMENT BACK Moisture content at harvest: Correct moisture at harvest guarantees proper fermentation; minimizes the losses of dry matter and nutrients, allows good packing, and reduces effluent. Appropriate production of lactic acid facilitates pH reduction and normal fermentation. Keep in mind that wet forage allows undesirable microorganisms to grow in the silage which affect the normal process of fermentation, higher pH, increases butyric acid production by clostridia bacteria and gives rancid smell, and increases effluent which carries plant nutrients. Harvesting too dry does not facilitate packing and reduce silage density, more air gets trap in the silo facilitating mold growth, more heat is produced and therefore heat damaged protein could occur. Corn silage moisture content should be from 63 to 68%. Chop length: When chopping forage, the length cut should be appropriate, e.g. ½ to ¾ – inch in corn silage. If length is too long, then packing is more difficult, and some air could get trapped. If length is too fine, this will affect the normal rumen function, reduce rumination, reduce saliva production which regulates rumen pH; therefore, incidence of acidosis could occur in the herd. Kernel process: Kernel processing increases the exposed surface area of the kernel to the rumen microbes which contributes to increase digestibility. Several studies reported that kernel processing can improve milk production and feed efficiency. Packing density and proper cover work to prevent spoilage: It is important to fill the silo as soon as possible and reduce excessive plant respiration and silage losses. Target density should be at least 16 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot of silage. Proper packing density minimizes the entrance or oxygen penetration. As soon as the silo is filled, it should be covered to prevent more oxygen getting in. If working with bunkers, pay attention to the edge and seams for air entrance. Feed out: Finally, during feedout, silage face is exposed to air; yeast and mold will have the perfect environment for growth. Therefore, it is important to remove from 6 to 12 inches from the face to prevent heat production and spoiled silage due to oxygen exposure. Minimize the time that silage stays in the commodity area before it is added to the ration. Close

FORAGE Calf & Quality Silage Specialist Bonni Kowalke Cell: (607) 794-8433 Bonni.Kowalke@svfeeds.com INOCULANT DETAILS KEEPING OXYGEN OUT TOOLS FOR SILAGE MGMT Alfa WS HYTIBAG® SILAGE BAGS OrangeZone Classic WS Bale Wrapping Guide Gravel Bags Corn WS Bale Wrap comparison article Protective Nets Corn+ WS Rondotex® Evolution Shrink Losses Forte WS Sila-Seal® Silostop Article HMC WS Close