CALCULATING SILAGE STOCKS

The quantity of silage within a clamp can be estimated by multiplying the volume of the silage in the clamp by the approximate density of the silage.

Measure the length of the clamp from the back of the clamp to the clamp face. Then measure the width of the clamp and the height of the clamp. If this is measured in feet it will need converting to metres (1m = 3.28ft).

The volume of the clamp can be calculated as: Volume of silage (m³) = length (m) x width (m) x height (m)

The density of the silage has to be estimated from the dry matter. This can be done using the above chart. For example, if maize has a dry matter of 30%, rule a line up from the 30% Dm on the chart, up to the maize silage line and then along to calculate the density on the Y axis. The density is approximately 760 kg/m³.

The quantity if silage remaining in the clamp can be calculated by multiplying the density of the silage by the volume of the clamp calculated in the previous equation.

This quantity can then be divided by the number of cows and number of days remaining in winter, or longer if buffer feeding us required, to determine the maximum quantity that can be fed per head per day. When doing this calculation, be sure to allow for any quantities of silage required for feeding any animals outside of the milking herd, e.g. heifers, dry cow etc.

Reference / Further Reading

• So what is good silage?...
• Grass Silage Analysis Reports an Explanation...
• Ecosyl products...
• Ecosyl Applicators...
• Clampfilm...
• ADD-F NC...