Effects of covering, time, and depth from
the surface on the rate and extent of top spoilage
losses in alfalfa silages stored in horizontal silos
were studied under pilot- and farm-scale
conditions. Covering silages increased silage
DM and nutrient recoveries, regardless of time
or depth from the original surface, when
compared to uncovered counterparts. Treatment
× location × time interactions (P<.001) were
observed for pH, lactic acid, and DM recovery
in uncovered silages. By week 2 post-ensiling,
significant deterioration had occurred in the top
foot of uncovered silages, as evidenced by
higher pH (7.36) and lower lactic acid (2.1% of
the silage DM) and DM recoveries (85.6% of
the DM ensiled). After week 4 post-ensiling,
significant deterioration had occurred in the
second foot from the surface, and it continued
into the third foot after week 7. These data
indicate that protecting the silage stored in the
top 3 ft of horizontal silos immediately after
filling should greatly increase storage efficiency.
