How is silage made ?
Silage is made by quickly chopping fresh corn plants, controlling moisture, adding inoculants when needed, and sealing the chopped crop in an oxygen-free environment for fermentation. This process preserves feed quality and creates a high-energy ration for livestock.
Quick overview — the two main methods used in Pakistan
Bagged silage (our common method): Hand-cut crop → chopping → fill vacuum bags → seal → transport.
Bunker silage: Mechanical harvest → fill bunker → compress → cover with plastic and soil → cure in place.
Both work. Bagging reduces spoilage, avoids heavy equipment, and suits small/medium farms. Bunkers fit very large operations.
Step-by-step: How silage is made (detailed)
1. Decide harvest timing
Check the crop’s milk line and kernel fill. You want balanced grain and plant maturity. If harvested too early, energy falls. If too late, fibre rises and digestibility falls. Take random samples and use local knowledge to choose the right day.
2. Cut the crop:
-
Hand cutting (common, low-cost): Labour cuts near the ground so less crop is wasted. Workers bundle the stalks and load them onto trollies.
-
Harvesters: Faster, but harvesters usually leave a few inches near the ground and that can waste material.
In Pakistan, hand cutting often gives more yield per acre because workers cut low to the ground.
3. Transport to the chopping point
Move the crop quickly to avoid weather damage. Freshness matters. The crop should reach the chopper the same day it’s cut.
4. Chop the crop finely
Use a chopping machine that chops stems, leaves and ears into small pieces. Small pieces help animals digest the feed. We often split kernels into multiple pieces so cows can access the starch easily.
5. Apply inoculants (optional)
Many producers add a lactic-acid bacteria inoculant during loading or unloading. Inoculants speed up good fermentation and reduce spoilage. Brand names are optional; apply based on lab or experience.
6. Pack & seal (two ways)
-
Bagging method: Fill vacuum bags directly from the chopping/tractor trolley. Seal inner bag under vacuum, then place inside a heavy PP outer bag. This creates an individual anaerobic unit per bag.
-
Bunker method: Spread chopped material into a pit or bunker, compress it with a tractor repeatedly to remove air, lay a plastic sheet and cover with another sheet and soil. Bunkers need careful sealing and more labour/equipment.
7. Cure time
Allow the silage to ferment. For bagged silage, leave sealed for several days to stabilise vacuum. Proper fermentation lowers pH and preserves nutrients.
8. Store & transport
Bagged silage moves easily. Intact bags prevent spillage. Store sealed bags in a shaded, dry place. Unopened vacuum bags can remain good for many months. Once opened, use the portion quickly.
Moisture, pH and chopping specs (practical targets)
Target moisture for bagged silage: ~60–65%
Dry matter (DM): ~30–35%
pH after good fermentation: ~3.8–4.2
Crude protein (DM basis): ~7–9% (varies)
Chop length: Very short — kernels should be split for easier digestion.
Use a moisture meter and pH meter to confirm values during production.
Bag vs Bunker — which to choose?
- Bagging (advantages)
Lower capital cost.
Individual sealed units reduce cross-contamination.
Easier to transport and handle manually.
Sealed bags often provide more consistent quality. - Bunker (advantages)
Good economy for very large herds.
Lower packaging cost per tonne.
Why many in Pakistan prefer bagging: Manual labour is inexpensive. People can cut low, chop finely, bag on-site, and ship sealed bags without forklifts. Bagging avoids the cost of building and maintaining bunkers.
Common problems & how to avoid them
- Too wet: Risk of seepage and clostridial fermentation. Fix by mixing drier material or packing better.
- Too dry: Poor packing and air pockets → mould. Chop finer and ensure tight packing.
- Poor seal: Air exposure causes spoilage. Check bag seals for punctures.
- Slow fermentation: Consider inoculants and ensure correct moisture.
How to test silage quality
Moisture meter: Quick field check.
pH meter: Confirms fermentation.
Lab tests: For large lots, send samples to an accredited lab for nutrient analysis and contamination screening. Share lab reports with buyers.
Why bagged silage often gives more consistent quality
Each bag ferments as a sealed unit. You limit air ingress and local spoilage. Bags travel intact. Farms without forklifts can still handle 40–50 kg bags with labour. In contrast, bunker silage needs machinery to handle and has higher risks if sealing is imperfect.
Practical tips for farms (handling & feeding)
- Stack sealed bags carefully; avoid punctures.
- Keep bags shaded and off direct sunlight to slow plastic degradation.
- When opening a bag, cut a small corner and take portions; do not expose the whole mass for long.
- Mix silage into rations with protein sources if needed.
Pre-Order Premium Corn Silage (50 kg Airtight Bags)
We ensure:
🌽 High nutrition & consistent quality
🟩 No wastage or spillage due to sealed bags
🚛 Easy handling & transport (50 kg bags)
🏭 Fresh silage from every batch
🐄 Perfect for dairy farms & commercial cattle setups
📦 Ready to Place Your Order?
We take bulk orders and provide reliable delivery across Pakistan.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +92 313 2222527
📧 Email: info@babalers.com
💬 Fast response • Fresh stock • Nationwide Delivery
