The primary function of a silage cover is to prevent exposure to air during fermentation and prior to feedout. When an anaerobic environment is maintained, undesirable microorganisms like yeast, toxin-producting molds, and bacteria, which are endogenous to silage, are unable to reproduce.
When silage is left uncovered, spoilage, loss of nutritive value, and potential for toxin buildup is greatly increased. Depending on how long the silage is exposed to air, losses could be as high as 100%
