Bag Silo Densities and Losses
2004
Bag silos made at three research farms in 2000 and 2001 were monitored at filling and
emptying to determine densities and losses. A total of 47 bags (24 alfalfa, 23 whole-plant corn) were
made, and losses were calculated on 39 of the silos. Dry matter density ranged from 160 to 270
kg/m3. Dry matter density increased with DM content in hay crop silages on average 3.0 kg/m3-%
DM whereas the effect in corn silage varied by bagging machine. Density decreased with increasing
particle size at 4.1 kg DM/m3 per mm. The operator and how the bagging machine was set up
affected density. A wide range of DM losses was observed, 0 to 40%. Average DM losses were 9.2%
invisible plus uncollected losses and 5.4% spoilage losses for a total loss of 14.6%. Six silos had
excessive spoilage losses of more than 15% and total losses above 25% due to plastic integrity
issues or overly dry silage (>40% DM) being fed out in warm weather. Invisible losses were reduced
in high porosity silages (where spoilage losses were exacerbated), greater in warm weather, and
affected by emptying procedures. Spoilage losses in bags without plastic integrity issues were
greater in dry, porous silages, from emptying silos in warm weather, and at lower feed out rates.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
0
References
0
Citations
NaN
KQI