Technology of Forage and By-Products Preservation
11. Transportation
Although the transportation of the chopped forage from the field to the silo is a simple process, it has a very significant effect on the total cost of making silage; it should be done quickly, and the anaerobic process of fermentation should not be prolonged. Delivery of chopped forage involves a large volume of moist material, and the delivery cost can range from 10% of the total ensiling cost to as much as 50%. It is very important to consider the following factors:
- The speed of the vehicle in relation to road conditions.
- The distance from the field to the silo; and
- The volume that can be carried, i.e., the kind of vehicle to use.
Short chopping and soft material reduce the volume to be carried.
