Characteristics of good silage

 

Silages are the most common feeds used for the dairy cattle. Their never-ending benefits have made them the first choice of dairy farmers. Silages are considered as a rocket fuel for cows which increases cattle milk production.

But it should be noticed that silage is not passive feed. Its dynamic nature can make change in the nutritional value with the time. Before purchasing silage for animals,we should possess knowledge about them.

Below mentioned are characteristics of good silage -

1.      Color

Color of silage can indicate potential fermentation problems. Generally, we say it as a green fodder. Right color of silage is said to be yellowish or greenish.

Dark brown or black color silages are damaged due to high temperature and they harm the milk productivity of dairy cattle.

Silages with yellow color have extra acetic acid and those with green color consists high amount of butyrate.

2.      Aroma

Like we judge leftover food on the basis of odor, silages can also be evaluated with their aroma. Acids are the reasons of their bad smell or fragrance. Low or no use of acids will give silages a pleasant fruity smell.Punjab Silage Company ensures use of no acids in the fermentation process.

Silages which ferment normally have slightly sweet smell due to low use of lactic acids. Those which are fermented with high acetic, ethanol content may give alcoholic or sharp chemical smell to them. Dark color silages have tobacco like smell.

3.      Taste

Use of sugar, butyric acid, lactic acids, ammonia and other elements impacts taste of silage. Silages with high sugar content give a high level of taste to cattle. If high ammonia and mold are used in the fermentation process then it will give silage a bad taste.

Taste is an important factor. Poor or rotten taste silage is mostly rejected by the cow and can’t result in increase cow milk production.  Contact best silage providers in India. 

4.      Texture

Source of fibers regulate the texture of silage. Corn silage has smooth texture as compared to others. Less smooth texture of silage indicates that they are made from elephant grass or rice straws which are not good for our dairy cattle.

Best corn silage providers in India can contact us free flowing and non-sticky textures.

5.      Ph level

Ph level is used to identify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Right ph level of silages is considered to be around 3.8-4.5. Increased in the number ph level will tell us excess use of ammonia and lactic acid in the fermentation process. Such types of silages are hard to store.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. These above-mentioned qualities will surely help us to identify the best silage for cows. Before purchasing silage evaluate all the characteristics to minimize milk production and decrease health problem.

Still confused between hay and silage for your cows? Know why silage is superior for dairy cattle.