Silage making Guide: A drought buster for farmers

Former athlete Japheth Mutai prepares silage used for feeding animals at his Kipkenyo Kazi mingi farm in Kapseret Constituency Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Silage is an important part of livestock farming as it allows farmers to store large quantities of high-nutrient feed for use during the off-season or when forage is scarce. Many tons of feed can be stored for months on end. It also reduces the need for expensive feed supplements, such as hay and grain, which can be costly to purchase and transport.

Step-by-step process of silage making

The process of silage making involves cutting the forage crops, such as corn or grass, and packing them into a silo or pit, where they are fermented and preserved. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process:

Harvesting

The first step in making silage is to harvest the forage crops at the right stage of maturity. This is typically when the crop is at the dough stage for maize and sorghum (when you press the grain it produces a milk-like substance) or the heading stage for grass. The crop should be harvested as quickly as possible to minimize wilting and maintain the quality of the forage.

To make quality silage, include a protein component such as alfalfa or lucerne on the maize, millet or nappier grass base. This makes a wholesome feed.

Chopping

The next step is to chop the harvested forage into small pieces, like an inch or two, usually with a forage harvester or a silage chopper. This helps to increase the surface area of the forage, making it more easily fermentable.

Causes of spoilage

Silage can go bad if it is not properly made or stored. The most common causes of spoilage are poor compaction, inadequate fermentation, or exposure to air. Poor compaction can result in insufficient lactic acid production, while inadequate fermentation can occur if the silage is not packed tightly enough or if the bacteria responsible for fermentation are not present in sufficient numbers. Exposure to air can also lead to spoilage, as oxygen can promote the growth of yeasts and molds, which can cause the silage to become moldy and unpalatable.

Factors cause silage failure

Temperature

The ideal temperature for silage fermentation is between 15-18C. Silage fermentation is a biological process that is sensitive to temperature. If the temperature is too high, the fermentation can become too rapid and produce heat, which can cause spoilage and the loss of nutrients.

If the temperature is too low, the fermentation can be too slow and can result in the growth of unwanted microorganisms. Avoid storing your paper silage in direct sunlight, this is a major cause of increased temperature and spoilage

Moisture

The ideal moisture content for silage is between 60-65%. Silage must be made with the proper moisture content to ensure proper fermentation. If the forage is too dry, it will not ferment properly and will be less palatable. If the forage is too wet, it can become moldy and spoil. It is important to measure the moisture content using a moisture tester before making silage to ensure that it is within the proper range.

Molasses

Do not use too much liquid molasses, this is another cause of spoilage.

Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold that can grow on silage. They can cause health problems in animals that consume the silage, and can also reduce the nutritional value of the feed.

[The writer is a Veterinary Surgeon and the Resident Vet at Farmkenya]