Nutrient losses in ensilage

In most silos, free drainage occurs and the liquid, or effluent, carries with it soluble nutrients. The amount of effluent produced depends largely upon the initial moisture content of the crop. Several equations, based on the dry matter of the ensiled material, have been suggested for estimating effluent loss, lypical is that of Bastiman  

As well as dry matter, factors such as type of silo, degree of consolidation and the nature and pretreatment of the crop all affect effluent loss, but this will be increased if the silo is left uncovered so that rain enters. Effluent contains sugars, soluble nitrogenous compounds, minerals and fermentation acids, all of which are valuable 

Process Classified as Approximate loss (%) Causing factor 

Effluent or field losses by wilting Mutually unavoidable 5- 7 or 2- 5 DM content, weather, technique, management, crop suitability 

Secondary fermentation Avoidable 0- 5 Crop suitability, environment in sUo, DM content 

---