Silage

Silage is green fodder fermented in silos into succulent livestock feed. Lactic acid bacteria convert plant sugars to acids, and the material is preserved by the low pH which develops. Fish silage may also be made from fish by-catch or wastes, chopped or ground before acids or fermentable carbohydrate are added. Silage quality affects animal health and the characteristics of milk and meat. Good silage smells pleasantly acidic. Poor silage spells trouble for herds. Plastic wrap and anaerobic conditions are critical to exclude oxygen and prevent spoilage.