AGRON 550: Silage Making

Question What is the optimum moisture for corn silage?

The optimum moisture for corn silage is approximately sixty-five percent.

Question Seepage, high butyric acid content, clostridial fermentation, and higher pH are problems associated with what?

These problems are associated with high-moisture silage.

Question Poor packing, heating, and lower starch and fiber digestibility are problems associated with what?

These problems are associated with low-moisture silage.

Question Which has greater dry matter loss, a covered bunker silo or an upright silo?

Covered bunker silos have greater dry matter loss compared to upright silos.

Question What effect does spoilage have on feed intake?

Spoilage causes feed intake to decrease.

Question At what stage of silage fermentation do plants use oxygen?

Plants use oxygen during the aerobic fermentation stage.

Question When should corn be harvested for silage?

Corn should be harvested when the milk line is one-half to three-quarters down the kernel.

Question To what length should forage be chopped for silage?

Forage should be chopped to approximately three-eighths to one-half inch.

Question Ensiling causes a decrease in acidity. True or false?

False. Ensiling increases acidity by lowering pH.

Question The harvesting stage for corn silage is based on what kernel characteristic?

The harvesting stage is based on the milk line.

Question What is the most desirable organic acid in silage fermentation?

Lactic acid is the most desirable organic acid.

Question A vinegar smell indicates high concentrations of which organic acid?

A vinegar smell indicates high concentrations of acetic acid.

Question What three toxic gases are produced during silage making?

Nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and dinitrogen tetroxide.

Question A putrid or fishy smell indicates high concentrations of which organic acid?

A putrid smell indicates high concentrations of butyric acid.

Question During which stage are lactic acid bacteria active?

Lactic acid bacteria are active during anaerobic fermentation.

Question A nail polish smell indicates high concentrations of what compound?

A nail polish smell indicates high concentrations of ethyl ester.

Question A sweet, fruity smell indicates high concentrations of what compound?

A sweet, fruity smell indicates high alcohol or ethanol concentration.

Question An earthy smell indicates low pH. True or false?

False.

Question What is the second stage of silage fermentation?

The second stage is anaerobic fermentation.

Question Higher acetic acid concentration is better in silage analysis. True or false?

False.

Question What are the four stages of silage fermentation?

The four stages are aerobic fermentation, anaerobic fermentation, storage, and feed-out.