Storing your maize correctly can have a direct impact on your profitability. While incorrect storage can lead to silage spoiling, the proper way of storing can be beneficial to your business and animals alike.
Nutribase shares some essential tips to keep your maize silage in top shape.
Step 1: Planning
It is never too early to plan your silage-making process. Proper preparation helps prevent avoidable challenges and provides the best opportunity to produce high-quality maize silage.
Step 2: Harvesting
Harvesting maize at the incorrect whole-plant dry matter (DM %) can significantly reduce silage quality. Research shows that the ideal harvest stage for maize silage is approximately 35% DM.
While many farmers rely on visual kernel assessment to estimate harvest timing, this method only provides an indication. The only reliable way to determine harvest readiness is by measuring the actual DM %. The air-fryer method offers a simple, accurate and practical on-farm approach for assessing harvest readiness.
Another critical factor during harvesting is cutting height. A minimum cutting height of 15 cm is recommended to reduce soil contamination. The lower portion of the stem also tends to contain higher levels of Fusarium, increasing the risk of mycotoxin contamination.
Step 3: Treating
When selecting a silage additive, two key areas must be addressed:
- Fermentation efficiency
- Aerobic stability (heating)
Improving fermentation through inoculation can deliver substantial benefits. The highly efficient bacteria in Ecosyl (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1) dominate the fermentation process, suppressing undesirable bacteria that would otherwise reduce silage quality. Better fermentation has also been shown to enhance animal performance and should form the foundation of any silage treatment strategy.
Where heating during feed-out poses a risk, a combination product such as Ecocool (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1 and Lactobacillus buchneri PJB/1) is essential. This blend improves aerobic stability and reduces losses caused by silage spoilage once the bunker is opened.
Table 1: Key benefits of the bacterial strains in Ecosyl and Ecocool.
| Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1 | Lactobacillus buchneri PJB/1 |
| Faster, more efficient fermentation | Inhibits yeast and mould activity |
| Better use of available sugars | Reduced heating at feed-out |
| Preserves nitrogen as true protein | Less physical waste |
| Reduces fermentation DM losses | Lower risk of mycotoxins |
| Limits undesirable microbes | Improved DM preservation |
| Supports better animal performance | Higher energy feed |
Step 4: Bunker management
Bunker management does not only apply during feed-out – it begins before filling.
Preparation:
Clean bunkers thoroughly before filling with new silage. Maintain cleanliness around the bunker area to prevent soil contamination from machinery.
Compaction:
Effective compaction is critical to eliminate oxygen. Fill the clamp evenly in thin layers (±15 cm) and compact continuously. Poor compaction leads directly to air pockets and spoilage.
Sealing:
Close and seal the bunker as quickly as possible after filling. Rapid sealing accelerates preservation and minimises dry matter losses.
Protection:
Inspect sealed bunkers regularly for sheet damage. Fencing off bunkers or heaps prevents livestock from causing punctures. Use sufficient weight (mats, gravel bags, tyres, among others) to secure the cover and reduce top-layer losses.
Step 5: Feeding
To minimise air exposure, aim to remove at least 1 metre per week during cooler months, and more during warmer periods. Narrow clamps assist with faster progression across the silage face.
Never leave plastic sheeting hanging loosely over the face, as this creates a humid microclimate that encourages mould growth. Roll the sheet back neatly as feeding progresses and keep weights secured at the front edge.
Remove any silage that falls from the face immediately, as mould spores can spread and contaminate the bunker.
For more information on silage inoculants, contact Jaco Faasen on (+27)82-607-6601 or send an e-mail to jaco@nutribase.co.za
