A Comprehensive Model of Forage Changes in the Silo

ABSTRACT Amodel describing the ensiling of corn and alfalfa in top- and bottom-unloaded tower and bunker silos was developed and evaluated. Oxygen infiltration through the silo wall or cover caused most of the dry matter loss with the rate of loss primarily influenced by silo size, wall or cover permeability and the length of the storage period. A change in wall permeability from 2 to 4 cm/h increased loss 2.0% in a medium-sized, top-unloaded tower silo. Emptying this silo in 120 days rather than 360 days reduced loss 6%. Dry matter loss was relatively insensitive to initial crop quality and moisture content over the range of 50-65% moisture. Ensiling losses were similar between corn and alfalfa.