ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

Which is an advantage of harvesting forage as silage compared to hay?

1. Less nutrient loss

2. Higher requirement for weather-dependent drying

3. Lower cost of harvesting

4. Higher organic matter returned to soil

The correct answer is: Less nutrient loss

Harvesting forage as silage offers the advantage of less nutrient loss compared to making hay. This is primarily due to the fermentation process that occurs during the ensiling of forages. When forages are chopped and sealed in an anaerobic environment, they undergo fermentation, which helps preserve their nutritional quality. In contrast, haymaking involves drying out the forage to reduce moisture content before storage, exposing it to potential weather damage and nutrient losses due to leaching, respiration, and the breakdown of nutrients by microbial action during the drying phase. This means that more nutrients can be lost in the hay-making process. Ultimately, lower nutrient loss when forages are processed as silage contributes significantly to the overall quality and digestibility of the feed, making it a more efficient option for preserving forage nutrients than hay.