Silage – decision flow chart .

🌾 1. Grass Growth Stage

Is the grass at early–mid boot stage (no seed heads visible)?

✅ YES → Go to Step 2
❌ NO → Lower D Value & ME
Decide: cut for lower-quality stock or delay
⬇️

🌦️ 2. Weather & Ground Conditions

Are conditions suitable for cutting?

✅ YES → Go to Step 3
❌ NO → Risk of low DM% & effluent
Consider delaying cut
⬇️

💧 3. Wilting

Has grass been wilted to 28–35% DM?

✅ YES → Go to Step 4
❌ NO → Effluent risk
Poor fermentation
⬇️

🧪 4. Additives

Is a silage additive being used?

✅ YES → Supports lactic acid bacteria
❌ NO → Higher risk if conditions are poor
⬇️

🚜 5. Clamping Technique

Is the clamp filled quickly and well rolled?

✅ YES → Go to Step 6
❌ NO → Air trapped
Heating & mould
⬇️

🚫💨 6. Sealing

Is air fully excluded once clamping is complete?

✅ YES → Successful fermentation
❌ NO → Spoilage & feed losses
⬇️

🐄 7. Feeding Decision

Is this silage suitable for the target livestock?

✅ YES → Feed confidently & monitor performance
❌ NO → Adjust ration or stock group

Interactive version

🌾 Step 1: Grass Growth Stage

Is the grass at early–mid boot stage (no seed heads visible)?

🌦️ Step 2: Weather & Ground Conditions

Are conditions suitable for cutting?

💧 Step 3: Wilting

Has the grass been wilted to 28–35% dry matter?

🧪 Step 4: Additives

Is a silage additive being applied?

✔ Additives improve fermentation reliability, especially in difficult conditions.

🚜 Step 5: Clamping Technique

Is the clamp filled quickly and well rolled?

🚫💨 Step 6: Sealing

Is air fully excluded once clamping is complete?

🐄 Step 7: Feeding Decision

Is this silage suitable for the target livestock?