Dark brown/ black silage

Lazy Eric

Member
Hi our clamp has a very dark layer in it , basically the top 4 foot. It’s got worse as I’ve got nearer the back. It’s not mouldy or particularly warm.
When the silage went in the pit it was very dry but was well sealed. It smells different, bit like tobacco if you like and same colour, does anyone know what causes this and how to prevent this next winter.
The cattle do not like it , but there is no mould in it , is it safe to feed if mixed with the normal stuff?
 

tr250

Member
Location
Northants
Hi our clamp has a very dark layer in it , basically the top 4 foot. It’s got worse as I’ve got nearer the back. It’s not mouldy or particularly warm.
When the silage went in the pit it was very dry but was well sealed. It smells different, bit like tobacco if you like and same colour, does anyone know what causes this and how to prevent this next winter.
The cattle do not like it , but there is no mould in it , is it safe to feed if mixed with the normal stuff?
Did you sheet it straight away or roll again the following morning then sheet it? The dryer the silage the harder it is to ensile properly
 

egbert

Member
Livestock Farmer
I had a batch of round bales the same.
Checking the orientation, it is the top few inches, suggesting heat rising.
Cows love it, silage is very good stuff, so sugars presumably high
 

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