Storage and preservation of corn

Corn silage is a basic component of the feed ration for dairy cows. It is worth taking care of its proper preservation, so that what we harvested from the field stays with us for the whole next year. Without risking losses due to secondary fermentation and putrefaction processes occurring in poorly preserved material.

It doesn’t really matter which storage method you choose: silo or heap. Both methods will have their supporters and opponents.

𝗣𝗥𝗬𝗭𝗠𝗔

The universality of this method is due to the simplicity of its execution. This is because all that is needed is a piece of vacant, non-wet land and a tight film. The disadvantage of this method of storage can be the difficulty in properly compacting the ensiled material, especially on the sides.

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The advantage of the silo is definitely better compaction of the forage itself and less access of air to the already prepared silage.

How do you get the nutritional maximum of the collected material?

It is essential to properly press down the nesters so that each grain is shredded, with dairy cows and rapid feed passage this is critical for starch utilization in the feed ration.

Silo Forming
Each layer of material brought from the field is spread over the entire length of the silo in layers of no more than 10 cm and kneaded accordingly. The harder the better. This process is designed to thicken the silage and get rid of the oxygen inside, which impedes the controlled fermentation process.

Remember that in unexpected stoppages, interruptions, we should not re-knead silage already brought and kneaded from the field. We knead only after the silage is delivered again. Kneading silage on empty causes aeration of the silo or bunk again.

The use of ensilicants lowers the pH in the ensiled mass, which promotes lactic fermentation and inhibits the breakdown of sugars. The additives also inhibit mold and yeast growth. Inoculants give better stability when picking and feeding a heap or silo.
Ask your advisor about a proven biological ensiler 𝗦𝗶𝗹-𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘅 ideal for corn silage.