Vol. 11, Special Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Maheshwari M Chavan, Sandeep K Jain, Ankita B Pawar, Amit A Gurav and Rushikesh R Mhade

Abstract:
Forage is stored and fed to animals in the form of silage. The steps involved in the silage making process are cutting fresh green fodder, compaction, storing and fermentation in a silo in anaerobic condition. The different types of silos used are upright, bunker, sack, or pile, bag and trench. Maize silage is frequently used as the main source of feed for ruminants throughout the world. Green maize feed is referred to as the "king of crops" and is perfect for producing great silage. The silo type affects the chemical properties of silages, including the dry matter, crude protein content, neutral detergent fibre, pH, temperature and flieg score. Silage additives are substances added to the fodder or green mass that are either natural or manufactured. Additives are used to boost the nutrient content of silage, raise its aerobic stability, decrease storage losses by promoting quick fermentation, and reduce fermentation losses by reducing the duration of fermentation. The signs of degradations of silage are an increase in temperature of silage, an increase in pH of silage, a loss of dry matter of silage, the development of surface molds, and the refusal of animals to eat the silage.