Effects of Dry Matter in Low-Moisture Silage on Preservation, Acceptability, and Feeding Value for Dairy Cows

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silages with average moisture contents of about 35, 50 and 65% were produced in each of 2 years by differential field wilting. Dry matter preservation in concrete tower silos ranged from 85-91% in 5 of the silages and was not related to moisture content. However, extensive spoilage was observed in the driest silage of 1 year. Decreasing moisture contents were significantly related to progressively lower contents of organic acids and ammoniacal N in silage and higher dry matter intakes by dairy cows. Effects on iniake were linear over the range from 30-74% dry matter but were most marked and consistent below 50% dry matter. Neither milk production of the cows nor dry matter digestibility by sheep were consistently related to silage moisture content. It was concluded that the major benefits of low moisture silage stored in unsealed silos would be attained at moisture contents of 50% or higher.