Heating in Maize Silage: A Hidden Risk
Maize harvested during late summer in the UK is often exposed to humid conditions. This encourages yeast and mould growth, leading to a problem known as heating in maize silage. Though easy to overlook, it can seriously impact forage quality and herd health.
Why Does Maize Silage Heat Up?
The process starts when yeasts feed on lactic acid. This causes silage temperature and pH to rise. As a result, harmful moulds and spoilage organisms grow rapidly.
This warm silage might seem fine, but the reason it’s warm is crucial. If it’s due to retained heat, it smells good and is okay. But if it’s from aerobic spoilage, it often smells bad and can harm animal health and performance.
The Dangers Behind Warm Silage
Standard silage tests often focus on nutritional factors. These include dry matter, energy, and protein. But they rarely check yeast levels .
Yeasts produce so-called volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as ethyl lactate and ethyl acetate. These compounds lower palatability and reduce intake. Warm silage containing them often leads to lower milk yields.
Worse still, moulds and yeasts are linked to increased mastitis. This raises somatic cell counts (SCCs) and weakens herd immunity. A peer-reviewed study in Veterinary Research Communications found a strong link between warm silage and inflammation, even when feed appeared nutritionally sound.
Tackling Heating in Maize Silage with SiloSolve® FC
One of the most effective ways to prevent heating in maize silage is by using a modern inoculant. SiloSolve® FC is specially designed to control spoilage organisms.
This patented formula reduces yeast and mould activity by up to 98%. It controls lactic acid production and scavenges oxygen. As a result, silage stays cool and stable during storage and feed-out.
Key Benefits of SiloSolve® FC
By improving silage stability, SiloSolve® FC helps retain more dry matter. Feed stays palatable and nutritious. Herds eat better and perform better.
That means fewer metabolic problems, lower SCCs, and reduced risk of mastitis.
Don’t Forget Good Silage Management
Using a quality inoculant is only part of the solution. Strong silage management practices are equally important.
- Seal clamps tightly using oxygen-barrier films.
- Maintain sharp, clean faces to reduce air penetration.
- Remove and discard any spoiled or visibly mouldy silage.
- Feed out quickly to limit oxygen exposure.
Together, these actions work alongside inoculants to protect silage and livestock.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Silage Spoilage
Heating in maize silage is a serious challenge. However, it is one that can be managed with the right tools and strategies.
Combining modern solutions like SiloSolve® FC with proven best practices will protect silage quality. In turn, farmers can maintain herd health, improve milk yield, and secure profitability – regardless of unpredictable weather.
