Association of Horizontal Silo Pad Type, Elevation and Core Depth With Indicators of Silo Ramp Hygiene, Forage Quality, and Digestibility

W. E. Brown,N. M Bello,M. J. Brouk

doi:10.4148/2378-5977.8061

Abstract

Association of Horizontal Silo Pad Type, Elevation and Core Depth With Indicators of Silo Ramp Hygiene, Forage Quality, and Digestibility

Highlights

Achieving high-quality silage on beef and dairy operations requires careful attention to oxygen exclusion to accomplish excellent fermentation
The objective of this study was to assess the association of horizontal silo pad type, elevation, and core depth with indicators related to silage hygiene and nutrient quality
We hypothesized that ash and mineral content, microbiological profile, and fermentation profile in silos with soil pads would be indicative of soil contamination, and that measures of potential contamination would be lesser at higher elevations within the silo

Summary

Introduction

Achieving high-quality silage on beef and dairy operations requires careful attention to oxygen exclusion to accomplish excellent fermentation. Silage that is inadequately fermented or allowed to spoil during feed-out can develop secondary aerobic fermentation, which increases dry matter loss, reduces dry matter intake and performance by livestock, and may contribute to animal health issues. A lack of pH reduction by lactic acid bacteria at the onset of fermentation or in spoiled sections may allow the growth of Clostridium spp., known to have deleterious effects. Clostridia are ubiquitous, being found in soil, forage, manure, feed, and milk. Some evidence suggests that the prevalence of clostridia in silage may be influenced by the application of animal manure and the timing of its application. One group monitored radiocaesium and titanium in fresh forages, soil, and silage over time, presenting evidence that soil contamination did occur between harvest and ensiling. Content of ash and Fe has been utilized as a measure of soil contamination of silages after flooding events, and for hay during normal harvest conditions utilizing different harvesting methods

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