What are the risks of not storing silage correctly?

September 7, 2023

The drier summer months are the perfect opportunity to harvest and store silage, but failing to store it correctly could lead to various risks and negative consequences for farmers and their livestock. Some of the risks in the UK include:

Environmental Fines

Inadequate silage storage can lead to nutrient runoff and leaching which can lead to environmental pollution meaning penalties for farmers.

Loss of Nutritional Value

When silage is not stored properly it can lead to nutrient losses which means lower feed quality. This in turn can result in reduced livestock performance, including decreased milk production and weight gain in cattle.

Spoilage

When silage is exposed to air it can spoil leading to growth of microorganisms such as molds and yeasts which can harm livestock if consumed.

Mycotoxin Formation

Mold growth in spoiled silage can lead to the production of mycotoxins which can be very toxic for livestock. The consumption of this can lead to various health problems, including digestive issues, immune suppression and reduced fertility.

Environmental Damage

If silage were to enter a watercourse, it would rapidly strip oxygen from the water, killing fish, plants and other aquatic life.

Causes Deterioration

Silage is also highly acidic so will attack steel and concrete surfaces, causing deterioration of cracks and joints in silo floors, collection channels and tanks, making it very difficult to contain and collect all the effluent.

Safety Hazards

This can pose safety risks to farm workers during feeding and handling, such as exposure to silo gas and structural failures in storage facilities.

How can these hazards be prevented?

To minimise these potential hazards farmers should adhere to optimal procedures for both silage production and safekeeping. This includes achieving adequate compression, maintaining suitable levels of moisture and routinely assessing silage quality. Furthermore, it's important that farmers stay up-to-date with advice from agricultural authorities in order to enhance their silage handling techniques and decrease accompanying risks.

For more information on which guidelines should be followed please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/storing-silage-slurry-and-agricultural-fuel-oil.