Preservation of Succulent Fodder

Green succulent fodder can be preserved for a long time by making:

Correct Answer: Silage

Silage is the method of preserving green succulent fodder for a long period of time through anaerobic fermentation. Lactic acid produced during fermentation lowers the pH, inhibiting spoilage organisms.

Silage Making — Key Facts

• Ensiling/Silage making: Process of preserving green fodder by anaerobic fermentation
• Best crop: Maize (Zea mays)
• Moisture content: 60–70%
• Harvesting time: Between flowering and milk stage
• Preferred plant: with thick stem (vs. hay which prefers thin-stemmed leafy plants)

Favourable Crops for Ensiling

• Rich in soluble sugars: Maize, Sorghum, Bajra
• Crops with less soluble carbohydrate → add 3–3.5% molasses
• Mixture of grass/cereal : legume for ensiling = 3:1
• Pit silos are most common in India

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• Haylage → combination product (grass/legume ensiled at 45–55% moisture); not the main preservation method for green succulent fodder
• Soilage → fresh cut fodder fed directly (zero grazing); no preservation involved
• None → incorrect; silage is specifically defined as the method for long-term preservation of green fodder