What is silage?

• A. Fermented forage
• B. High energy feed
• C. Field where animals graze
• D. Eating forage directly

Answer: (A)

Silage is forage that has been preserved by fermentation under anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions. To make it, fresh forage is chopped, packed tightly to exclude air, and stored in a silo, bunker, bag, or trench. The lack of oxygen lets lactic acid bacteria ferment the plant sugars into lactic acid, lowering the pH and preserving the forage for later feeding. This stored, fermented feed supports livestock during times when fresh forage isn’t available, and crops like corn, alfalfa, or grasses are commonly used. It’s defined by its fermented, moist state rather than just being high-energy, fresh in the field, or eaten directly.