ANN 111: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

SILAGE

Silage: Silage is the preserved material produced by the controlled fermentation of crop under anaerobic conditions in a structure known as silo. Ensilage is the name given to the silage making process. The main purpose of silage making is to preserve succulent fodders for usage at the time of scarcity. Silage making involves natural fermentation in anaerobic condition with due care to discourage activities of undesirable bacteria. Click to view animation

Preserved forage under anaerobic condition. Ensilage: Silage making process. Silo: Silage containers.

Advantages of Silage Making: Silage can be made even on weather that does not permit hay making. More number of animals can be reared per unit of land. Year round supply of high quality succulent fodder is possible. Satisfactory silage can be produced in spite of weeds, as ensiling process kills many kinds of weed seeds. Silage making converts stemmy forage crops to soft that are better utilized by the livestock.

Can be made on all weather. More number of animals/ land. Year round fodder supply. Weeds do not interfere. Stemmy forage becomes soft.