what is silage used for

Silage is a type of fodder made from green foliage crops that have been preserved by fermentation to the point of acidification. It is used to feed domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Silage is essentially “pickled pasture,” or fodder that’s been fermented to feed cattle or sheep during dry seasons. Grasses or other crops, such as rye or maize, are cut, fermented, and compressed until they’re ready to be fed to the livestock. The process of making silage is more extensive than simply cutting and drying hay. Silage is made by chopping the crops into small pieces and then storing them. Silage can be made using several methods, largely dependent on available technology, local tradition, or prevailing climate. The importance of silage is in its energy. Silage crop serves as a high-energy source for animals such as cows. Silage crop is stored using plenty of moisture, which allows it to retain a higher percentage of nutrients than a dry storage option. During dry seasons, in particular, this helps the cattle or sheep stay healthy and strong.