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

LOSSES OF NUTRIENTS DURING ENSILAGE

Field losses: Harvesting and ensiling on the same day prevents loss of water soluble carbohydrates and protein. Wilting beyond 5 days leads to 6 to 10 % dry matter losses. Oxidation losses: In the presence of oxygen, the action of plant and microbial enzymes on substrates such as sugars, leads to the formation of CO2 and water. Rapid filling of silo and compression eliminates air pockets leaving unaerobic condition suitable for ensiling and thereby preventing oxidation losses. Fermentation losses: Even though considerable biochemical changes occur during fermentation, the net dry matter loss may not exceed 5% and energy loss may be still lower as high energy compounds like ethanol are formed during ensiling. Effluent losses:  Effluents are highly nutritious as they contain sugars, soluble nitrogenous compounds, minerals and fermentation acids. The amount of  drainage effluent produced depends largely upon the initial moisture content of the crop. Crops ensiled with moisture of 85% may result in effluent dry matter losses as high as 10%, whereas crops wilted to about 70% moisture produce little effluent.

Wilting beyond 5 days leads to 6-10% DM loss. In the presence of air carbohydrate breakdown  to CO2 + H2O. Total DM loss due to fermentation in silage  not to exceed 5%. Effluent loss depends on moisture level.