Our on-farm trial in Brazil has demonstrated the significant benefits of switching from traditional silage sealing methods to Silostop’s Oxygen Barrier (OB) film combined with an Anti-UV protective cover. The study was carried out at Colorado Farm and involved a detailed comparison between conventional sealing practices and modern high-performance alternatives.
Trial Background and Methodology
The farm’s traditional sealing system involved several layers: salt, two black polyethylene tarpaulins, sand, and a double-sided polyethylene film. This method is labour-intensive and susceptible to damage from animals and environmental factors.
The trial tested Silostop’s OB film alongside an Anti-UV net, using methodology adapted from Lima et al. (2017), which highlights the effectiveness of lining bunker walls with oxygen barrier film to reduce nutrient losses in maize silage.
Silage samples were collected across three time points:
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Nov 2019 – Traditional sealing on Silo 7
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Sept 2020 – OB film + Anti-UV net on Silo 7
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Dec 2020 – OB Black & White film on Silo 14
Measurable Improvements in Silage Quality and Milk Yield
Switching to Silostop’s sealing system markedly improved silage quality across the entire face of the silo. The traditional method showed a considerable difference in dry matter and nutritional content between the surface and centre. In contrast, silos sealed with Silostop consistently achieved “Gold Standard” silage of high quality from top to bottom.
The standout result: a 24% increase in milk yield per tonne of dry matter when using the Silostop sealing system. This equated to an additional 320 kg of milk per tonne of DM, offering a substantial return for dairy producers.
Cost Comparison and Return on Investment
While the initial cost per square metre for Silostop's sealing system (R$8.30/m²) is higher than the traditional method (R$6.18/m²), the benefits significantly outweigh the cost:
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Reduction in losses: Spoilage reduced from 10% to 9%, equating to savings of R$13,785
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Increased milk yield: Worth R$15,330
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Total benefit: R$29,115 against a cost of R$1,484—an exceptional ROI of R$19.62 for every R$1.00 invested
In addition, the Silostop method reduces labour requirements, simplifies the sealing process, and improves protection against animal damage.
Final Thoughts
This trial clearly demonstrates that advanced sealing technologies like Silostop’s Oxygen Barrier films can significantly enhance silage outcomes. By reducing oxygen ingress, nutrient loss is minimised, allowing even the surface layers of silage to maintain the quality typically found at the centre.
With proven economic and operational advantages, Silostop products are an ideal investment for dairy farms looking to maximise production, reduce waste, and improve efficiency in silage management.
