ABSTRACT
Ensiling is the most common method for preserving forages. Ensiled forages to a large extent have replaced hay in ruminant diets and in many cases even grazed grass. Ensiling is less dependent on weather conditions than field-cured hay preservation systems are. The nutritive value of silages is mainly determined by the composition of the crop at harvest. However, losses during harvest and ensiling can reduce nutritive value, since these losses take place in the most valuable fractions of the crop.
