Green forages are considered as a backbone of the dairy farmer as they play an important role in transforming dairy farming into a profitable business. The three most important things are required to make good quality silage i.e. rapid removal of air, rapid production of lactic acid and the continued exclusion of air from the silage mass during storage. An animal can consume silage up to 40-60% of dry matter intake depending on silage quality and growth and productive performance of animals. A 500 kg lactating cow can eat approximately 25-30 kg silage per day on a fresh basis, whereas; a calf weighing 225 kg can consume 12-15 kg silage per day.
The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of IDA. Any article or news item published in this journal may not be reproduced without prior permission.