Effects of Dry Matter in Low-Moisture Silage on Preservation, Acceptability, and Feeding Value for Dairy Cows

Low-moisture alfalfa was harvested at three different average dry matter contents in two successive years and stored in conventional tower silos. The resulting silages had average dry matter contents of 39 to 65%. Within each year progressively higher dry matter levels resulted in more limited fermentation. Silage was well-preserved, with the exception of one lot in which extensive mold developed. Higher dry matter intake was observed with increasing levels of dry matter within and among silages. However, this response was less precise at dry matter above 50%. No marked difference in milk production or dry matter digestibility was observed. It was concluded that, for storage in conventional silos, attainment of more than 50% dry matter was neither particularly desirable nor harmful.