Learn silage making for dairy farming with this step-by-step guide. Discover benefits, methods, costs, and how silage increases milk yield while reducing feed expenses.
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Silage Making for Dairy Farming: Step-by-Step Guide to Increase Milk Yield & Cut Feed Cost
In dairy farming, fodder availability decides profitability. Seasonal shortage of green fodder is one of the biggest reasons for low milk yield and rising feed costs. This is where silage making becomes a game-changing strategy for dairy farmers.
Silage is not a new concept. Traditional farmers preserved green fodder long before modern feed industries existed. Today, smart dairy farms are reviving this proven method with better planning and execution to ensure year-round quality feed.
This guide explains silage making for dairy farming in a simple, practical, and result-oriented way.
What Is Silage?
Silage is fermented green fodder preserved in an airtight condition. Through natural fermentation, green fodder is converted into a nutritious, palatable, and long-lasting feed for dairy animals.
Common crops used for silage:
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Maize
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Sorghum (jowar)
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Bajra
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Oats
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Napier grass
Silage can be stored safely for 6 to 12 months without major nutrient loss.
Why Silage Is Important for Dairy Farming
Silage is not just fodder storage—it is risk management for milk production.
Key Benefits of Silage
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Ensures green fodder availability all year
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Maintains consistent milk yield
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Reduces dependence on costly commercial feed
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Improves digestion and feed intake
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Lowers overall feeding cost
Dairy farms using silage show better stability in milk output, especially during summer and drought periods.
Nutritional Value of Silage
Silage retains most of the nutrients of green fodder when prepared correctly.
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Rich in energy
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Moderate protein content
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High digestibility
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Better palatability than dry fodder
Animals consume silage willingly, which directly impacts milk yield and body condition.
Step-by-Step Silage Making Process
Step 1: Select the Right Crop and Stage
Harvest the fodder crop at the right maturity stage:
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Maize: Milk to dough stage
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Sorghum: Flowering stage
At this stage, sugar content is high, which is essential for proper fermentation.
Step 2: Chop the Fodder Properly
Chop the fodder into 1–2 cm pieces.
Benefits of proper chopping:
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Better compaction
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Faster fermentation
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Reduced spoilage
Poor chopping leads to air pockets and low-quality silage.
Step 3: Choose the Silage Method
Common silage methods:
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Pit silage
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Trench silage
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Plastic bag or drum silage
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Bunker silage (large farms)
Small and medium farmers usually prefer pit or plastic bag silage due to lower investment.
Step 4: Fill and Compact the Silage
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Fill the pit or bag layer by layer
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Compact each layer properly
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Remove as much air as possible
This step is critical. Air is the enemy of good silage.
Step 5: Seal Airtight
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Cover with plastic sheet
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Add soil or weight on top
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Ensure no air enters the pit
Anaerobic conditions allow beneficial bacteria to convert sugars into lactic acid.
Step 6: Fermentation Period
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Fermentation takes 21 to 45 days
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Do not open before completion
Good silage has:
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Pleasant sour smell
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Greenish-yellow color
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No fungal growth
How Silage Increases Milk Yield
Silage provides consistent nutrition, which stabilizes rumen function.
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Improves feed intake
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Enhances energy availability
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Reduces stress during fodder scarcity
Farmers often observe 10–20% improvement in milk yield when silage replaces poor-quality dry fodder.
Cost Comparison: Silage vs Market Feed
Silage significantly reduces feeding expenses.
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One-time preparation cost
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Uses self-grown fodder
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Reduces purchase of commercial concentrates
From a business standpoint, silage improves profit margins, not just milk output.
How Much Silage to Feed Per Day?
Recommended daily silage intake:
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Cows: 15–20 kg
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Buffaloes: 20–25 kg
Silage should always be fed along with:
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Dry fodder (for fiber)
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Concentrates (as per milk yield)
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Mineral mixture
Common Mistakes in Silage Making
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Harvesting over-mature crops
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Poor chopping size
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Inadequate compaction
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Allowing air or water entry
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Opening silage too early
Avoiding these mistakes ensures high-quality silage and better returns.
FAQs on Silage Making for Dairy Farming
Q1. Which crop is best for silage making?
Maize is considered the best due to high sugar and energy content.
Q2. Can silage replace green fodder completely?
Silage can replace green fodder during shortage but should be balanced with dry fodder.
Q3. How long can silage be stored?
Properly prepared silage can be stored for up to one year.
Q4. Is silage suitable for small farmers?
Yes. Plastic bag or drum silage is ideal for small dairy farmers.
Conclusion
Silage making for dairy farming is a low-risk, high-return strategy. It protects milk production, reduces feed cost, and ensures fodder security throughout the year.
Farmers who treat dairy farming as a business, not a gamble, always plan fodder in advance. Silage is not an expense—it is an investment in consistent milk income.
If your goal is sustainable growth and stable profits, silage should be part of your dairy management system.
