Temperature regulation in making silage
Temperature during silage making is influenced by three factors
- Moisture content of ensiled material
- Amount of compaction
- Rate of filling the silo
Good silage is made between 10 and 38oC the optimum being 32oC. If temperature is low then the ensiled material has high moisture content. To improve this decrease the amount of compaction and rate of filling. Moisture content can be reduced by wilting or adding materials less in moisture content like hay.
If temperatures are higher than 38oC usually experienced when ensiled material have high DM and low moisture content, the rate of ensiling and compaction should be increased. Materials with high moisture content or even water may be added to reduce the temperature of the ensiled material.