Silage covers are an important tool in minimizing feed shrinkage during ensiling and feedout. Oxygen is the enemy of quality silage, and covers function from the very first step to prevent air from passing into the pile. Silage covers also prevent water, insects, and other pests from entering the pile, which can introduce contamination and ruin an entire bunker's worth.
Once the fermentation is complete and silage is ready for feedout, there is still risk of feed shrinkage due to spoilage when the silage is again exposed to air. Following BMP for bunker sizes and feedout rate, coupled with proper unloading techniques and carefully closing the bunker face after each feedout minimizes exposure to oxygen and maintains silage at the highest quality.
