Silage face management and feed-out rates, sealing quality and packing density are all areas of bunker management that can, if done properly, minimize feed spoilage and maximize your dollar.  With making the considerations mentioned in the article, 30 to 40% of dry matter losses commonly observed with mismanaged silos can be prevented.

The next area to focus on is the Total Mix Ration (TMR). It is important to have appropriate lengths and distribution of ingredients to prevent sorting, as this results in an unbalanced intake, which can make cows more likely to suffer from digestive disorders including acidosis affecting productive performance and impacting the farm’s profitability.

Once the cow consumes her diet, the rumen is where the magic starts! The cow ferments the ration’s organic matter she ate to produce volatile fatty acids (VFA) and other substrates necessary to support milk production

In summary, to increase profit generated from investments in feeds, it is essential that it be well stored and preserved so that cows can eat and digest the ration they receive as efficiently as possible. Read more about it HERE!