what is silage

Silage is a type of fodder made from green foliage crops which have been preserved by fermentation to the point of acidification. It is used to feed cattle, sheep, and other such ruminants. The fermentation and storage process is called ensilage, ensiling, or silaging. Silage is usually made from grass crops, including maize, sorghum, or other cereals, using the entire green plant (not just the grain) . The grasses are cut and then fermented to keep as much of the nutrients (such as sugars and proteins) as possible. The fermentation is carried out by microscopic organisms living in the grass. The process must be carried out under acidic conditions (around pH 4-5) in order to keep nutrients and provide a form of food that cows and sheep will like to eat. Silage can be made using several methods, largely dependent on available technology, local tradition, or prevailing climate. Some crops have ensilaging potential, including potatoes and various weeds, notably spurrey such as Spergula. Silage is considered a nutritious roughage for domestic animals and is particularly attractive to them due to the aroma produced during fermentation.