Forage Crops and Pasture Management Notes

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to silage, haylage, baleage, and the advantages and disadvantages of ensilage.

Silage

Forage that is around 30% moisture or higher that is stored with limited oxygen available and will undergo fermentation.

Haylage

Forage that is chopped and stored in concrete or metal structures at a moisture level of 60-65%.

Baleage

A type of haylage that has been cut (but not chopped) and baled at 50-55% moisture and then wrapped.

Ensilage

A general term that encompasses Silage, Haylage, and Baleage.

Advantages of Ensilage

Less field loss at harvest, choice of field crops, mechanized harvesting, storing and feeding, less likelihood of weather damage at harvest, can be stored for long periods, used in various feeding programs.

Disadvantages of Ensilage

Bulky to handle and store, requires additional equipment, excessive losses if not stored properly, not readily marketable, must be fed soon after silo removal, disposal of plastic when using baleage.

Silo

Any storage structure in which green, moist forage is preserved via the ensiling process including upright, horizontal concrete, trench, bunker, and stacks.

Baleage vs Hay Advantages

Less storage loss, weather is less of a factor, allows for harvest at a stage of higher nutritive value, less drying, so less leaf loss.

Baleage vs Hay Disadvantages

Need to dispose of plastic, potential spoilage when plastic is torn, less flexibility in moving bales prior to feeding.