Different Methods of Forage Conservation:

• Conserved grass is used as the basis of ruminant feeding mainly when grass for grazing/cutting is not available.
• When green crop is cut, biochemical changes occur and if these changes are allowed to continue, degradation of material will take place.
• There are mainly two methods by which progressive degradation is minimized:

4. Acidification: Degradation slows down when pH of the materials falls below 4.2-5; depending on moisture content. Ex: Silage
5. Dehydration: Degradation slows down when materials reach 85% dry matter. Ex: Hay making