Proper silage storage is crucial for preserving nutritional value and minimising losses. The covering method plays a key role in determining silage quality, particularly when it comes to oxygen exposure. Two common approaches are:
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Ensiling silage without any covering (no sheet)
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Ensiling silage using an oxygen barrier silage sheet
Below is a breakdown of each method, their benefits, and potential drawbacks.
1. Ensiling Silage with No Sheet
While some farmers opt to leave silage uncovered due to cost or convenience, this method carries certain risks.
✅ Pros:
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Lower initial cost – No expense on covers or labour to install.
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Time-saving – Faster setup and less labour-intensive.
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Immediate accessibility – No need to uncover to access silage.
❌ Cons:
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Higher spoilage risk – Exposure to oxygen leads to rapid microbial growth, mould, and heating.
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Reduced nutritional value – Loss of dry matter and essential nutrients.
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Increased waste – Top layers often become unusable.
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Risk of mycotoxins – Higher chance of contamination affecting animal health.
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Inconsistent fermentation – Oxygen presence disrupts anaerobic conditions.
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Research – has proven that you can lose 75% DM in the top 1m with no cover
2. Ensiling Silage with an Oxygen Barrier Silage Sheet
Oxygen barrier silage sheets are designed to provide a nearly airtight seal, limiting oxygen penetration and preserving forage quality.
✅ Pros:
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Superior fermentation – Maintains ideal anaerobic conditions for lactic acid bacteria.
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Reduced spoilage – Limits growth of undesirable microbes like mould and yeast.
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Higher nutritional retention – Preserves protein, sugars, and dry matter.
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Long-term cost efficiency – Less feed loss means better return on investment.
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Animal performance – Improved silage quality translates to better feed intake and productivity.
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Dry Matter Loss- can be reduced by 62.5% by using an oxygen barrier sheet v no sheet
❌ Cons:
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Higher upfront cost – Oxygen barrier films are more expensive than traditional plastic or no cover.
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Installation effort – Requires proper sealing, weights (like tires or gravel bags), and care.
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Risk of damage – Sheets can be punctured by wildlife, tools, or weather if not well protected.
Final Verdict
Choosing between no sheet and an oxygen barrier silage sheet largely comes down to priorities - immediate cost savings vs. long-term silage quality and economic efficiency. For farms focused on maximising feed value and minimising waste, oxygen barrier sheets are the clear winner despite their higher upfront cost.
